A day in the life of Griffin

Happy birthday Jesus!

2011-12-25T00:53:00.000-08:00

You woke up this Christmas morning in Tennessee at your Susu and Diddy's. And even more important you woke up as the first time being a big bro. It was so sweet to see you give Carter the biggest hug when we all got up!

You immediately wanted to help Susu make breakfast, as you have been her right hand man in the kitchen all week.

Uncle Ty and Aunt Cara came to join the fun and we got ready to open presents

Thomas PEZ!!

superman costume!

After our yummy breakfast and opening gifts we took some time to do family pictures outside

Next stop.. Cici and Pip's!!!

You two could hardly contain yourself when you opened MICKEY!!

They made you a book that they recorded themselves reading to you

You got a camera and wanted to take pictures of everything, just like Mommy!

We made Jesus' birthday cake

and helped Cici make a yummy dinner for us all to enjoy

Potts, or Pottserelli as you named him this week, and Mimi joined us

Cici and Pipper spoiled us all for sure!

We very much enjoyed spending this special day with our family and most of all were thankful to celebrate Jesus' birthday! You were so sweet in trying to understand that it was HIS bday but that we all got to open the presents :)

Snapshots before Christmas

2011-12-24T00:42:00.000-08:00

Christmas pictures

2011-12-15T20:01:00.000-08:00

We had your Christmas pictures taken a few weeks ago and I am SO thrilled with this shot of you two boys. Definitely the best picture of the two of you yet!

I also LOVE this shot of you.. my handsome big boy!

The others werent as good but still wanted to post them to remember. And your face makes me laugh... as if you are saying, "Woman I dont know why you put me in this pose!"

Mommy's helper

2011-12-15T19:55:00.000-08:00

I have been wrapping Christmas presents lately and today while Carter was napping you asked if you could help. I asked you what you would like to wrap and you said, "A present for Carter." So then I asked you to find something you would want to give Carter for Christmas and then we wrapped it! Your Daddy and I are trying to instill that Christmas is not about the gifts but instead the greatest gift of all that God gave us in Jesus. Therefore because we are so thankful we want to give gifts to others. This of course made my heart smile when you said you wanted to give some of your own things to your brother!

You also want to "help" when I am in the kitchen so I finally took you up on that. I taught you how to put away and sort the silverware and you did an EXCELLENT job!

You are also now the official dish rinser outer :)

The funny thing is that now you now how to do it you are looking for anything and everything you can go and wash... you love it! I am going to take advantage of all the help I can get since I am sure you will change your mind when you are about 8!

Show me something COOL!

2011-12-09T19:44:00.000-08:00

Daddy just got a new phone not to long ago and you love to crawl up into his lap and say, "Show me something cool!" Typically that means you want to see a TN football video on Youtube ha. He also snapped this photo of you two silly boys!

I'm running around in my undies!

2011-12-04T19:41:00.000-08:00

One of your favorite things to do these days are to "just wear my undies." You often ask either after going to the bathroom or when we are chancing your clothes if you can just run around in your undies. I of course think its cute and funny but realize at some point I'm gonna need to teach you that its not okay all the time ha!

Yes I realize you are going to kill me for this one day but its just much too cute not to capture :)

Fall Photos @ 2.5

2011-11-11T20:48:00.001-08:00

Love your heart!

2011-11-10T20:39:00.000-08:00

Today was one of those over the top happy moments for me as your Mommy. I told you this morning that we were going to go and buy one of our friends from Africa some things for Christmas. Just before we made it out the door you said, "Wait Mommy, I need my money." Cici had given you your first dollar that you had been proudly showing in your pocket for a few days. You wanted to use it to buy "your friend" a toy.

You had the BEST time picking out his things! I explained to you beforehand that there were many kids in the world who didnt have toys like you did and that we wanted to bless "your friend" and tell him that Jesus loves him too. Of course we dont know who this shoebox will go to... but that doesnt matter because we still want to love our neighbors.

You found some of your favorite things to share: football, candy, coloring pages

toothbrush, batman soap, Mickey Mouse puzzle and crayons

We also found your new favorite game, Dominos AND some books!

Dear son, I do pray that you would see others as Jesus sees them and love them just as He does! I am so proud of you for wanting to share with someone you dont even know and plan to continue this tradition and add many others ways to let you share the love of Jesus!

Good buddies

2011-11-06T20:35:00.000-08:00

I havent seen you squeal with delight as much as you did tonight when you saw your buddy!

Fall Festival

2011-10-26T18:48:00.000-07:00

I was super bummed when your brother woke up sick on Saturday afternoon and I realized I wasnt going to be able to go to the Fall Festival our church was having. Thankfully we have some awesome friends and they agreed to let you go with them! You had been talking about going to "the farm" for days and so I would have been really sad if you couldnt go too.

Aunt Stacey was so glad to have you as her date!

There was a fun hay maze

and a hayride!

Daddy was there too. He actually was in charge of the whole thing though so he was pretty busy.

You got to finally meet Dalton and Sabrina, who are Jerry and Audrey's grandchildren that we have heard so much about and yall became best buds!

Little cutie in your football hat :)

The Brantleys were able to love on you some too

Fun times at the bonfire

You came home one happy boy and couldnt stop talking about your time on the farm with Aunt Stacey :)

2 1/2

2011-10-26T11:39:00.000-07:00

You are 2 1/2 today and I wanted to document what life at 2 1/2 was like for you! First of all you are so funny! Your little personality has blossomed and you come up with the funniest things to say. You recently stole my heart by saying, "Back up Daddy, I've got to kiss my Mommy!" and also said that Carter was your best friend. You love to dance to music too and anytime you hear it you are busting a move and all smiles while doing it! The funniest is probably when you play the guitar and make this silly face by sticking out your pouty lips and closing your eyes while head banging ha!

You are so smart. Just today we did a numbers puzzle and you were not only recognizing most of the numbers but counting objects up to 9. You know how to spell your name and are working now on spelling Isham. You also know your birthday: the 26th of April! You love to color and play with playdough and are getting better and better at your colors. You go back and forth with the ones you know but as of yesterday you knew orange, green, blue and pink.

Now that Carter is on the move you are having a tough lesson of sharing. Unfortunately when he has a toy you often go over and snatch it out of his hands. I know that its hard because they were all your toys first but we are learning that in order to love our brother you must share. You are such a good big brother in every other way, always going over to give him his pacifier when he is crying and say, "Its okay, Carter." You also love to feed him and enjoy that he know can share most of your same foods. Yall had a sweet moment just last night before bed where you were sitting in the floor rolling the ball back and forth. I cant wait until you can play together more! The funny thing you said today as you were being my helper and throwing his diaper away was, "Man, this smells TERRIBLE!" Yes, it sure did boy... your brother is rotten!

You are definitely a people person and very friendly to most. There are times when you dont want to be touched though, which I cant blame you there! You are very popular at church and so therefore are always getting lots of attention and sometimes its just too much. You enjoy going to "Sunday School" as you call it (no matter what day we are going to church).

You have new love of cartoons. We just recently got cable and now you have discovered the Disney channel, and more importantly Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. The "hotdog" dance gets you excited every time you see if and you know all the words to the song. You also love to sing the Veggie Tales songs in the car and it is just precious to hear you say, "He's got the whole world in his hands, Love your neighbor, this little light of mine, etc."

You still have your girlfriend Ashley and love to give her hugs and kisses. Tonight at church Aunt Stacey said she was jealous and thought she was your girlfriend and you said, "No, maybe next time!" Oh my son... already smooth with the ladies :)

You are such a joy to your Daddy and I and bring so many the same joy! We are SOOO thankful for you :)

Dancing with the Stars

2011-10-18T11:54:00.001-07:00

While watching Dancing with the Stars last night, you decided you should try too! Just like Mommy, you are all upper body and no bootie ha!

Finishing out September

2011-10-10T13:46:00.000-07:00

We have gladly welcomed Fall and the nice weather by spending lots of our time outside. We found a perfect place to kick the soccer ball.

Daddy and Mommy are playing on the church league softball team so we have been spending lots of time at the ballfield which you LOVE!

On the 23rd, it was Daddy and I's 5th anniversary so we spent the day together as a family. You were my dinner date :)

College football is in full swing and therefore you boys are spending Saturdays watching the games.... and Daddy plays you Rocky Top on the computer at your request.

Hide and seek is your new favorite game and it is quite humorous to watch you. You think as long as you cant see us, we cant see you :)

We have been making weekly trips to the library for story time and you LOVE all the books!

You are such a sweet, loving, always on the go and wanting to learn something new boy right now and I LOVE this stage!!!

Giggle box

2011-09-28T19:25:00.000-07:00

I just tucked you bed. Daddy is working late and so it was just us for bedtime. Typically Daddy handles the bedtime ritual but I had many thankful moments tonight that it was my turn. You are all about saying, "Mommy, I have ___ more minutes," and that number is normally 2. In your sweet little mind 2 minutes is an eternity. We brush your teeth, which by the way you are obsessed with. You ask me to do it at least 5 other times a day, other than our typical when you wake up and before you go to bed. Tonight you climbed your way onto the counter all by yourself like a little monkey and then proceeded to watch yourself in the mirror. I accidentally shut the vanity door on your finger, not hard no worries, and you just giggled as if it was the funniest thing ever. Your giggle box was turned over for sure because we spent the next 5 minutes just giggling at each other and nothing was even funny. I wish I could have frozen time in that instant... I realize how quickly you are growing and how soon you will think that I am so not funny. I love every minute like that when you are so happy to be alive and take pleasure in the simple things of brushing your teeth standing on top of the bathroom counter, laughing at your Mommy.

Toddler park

2011-09-20T18:55:00.000-07:00

Since moving to Durham we have found an awesome new playground for you the is special just for toddlers.

It is the perfect size for you and you love the choo choo

climbing through the tunnel

and sliding down the little slides.

Knoxville Zoo

2011-09-15T19:09:00.000-07:00

We took a trip to the Knoxville Zoo while in Tennessee with your Granny, Aunt Leann, Uncle JC and cousins Tristan and Olivia. You had so much fun!

Singing happy birthday

2011-09-10T19:05:00.000-07:00

You sang Uncle Tyty Happy birthday all by yourself..... it was the greatest present you could have ever given him :)

The many faces of Griff

2011-08-24T18:13:00.000-07:00

Ride em COWBOY!

2011-08-14T18:20:00.000-07:00

Today you wanted to put on your boots and ride your stick horse....

When I tried to get your picture you got a bit shy and ran but....

I eventually caught ya :)

Weekend with the grandparents

2011-08-05T18:28:00.000-07:00

This weekend you and Carter stayed with Cici and Pipper while Mommy went to Nashville to see her girlfriends and celebrate with a baby shower for baby Ike.

You did lots of golfing.

went swimming

played at the playground with Potts

visited with Uncle Scott, Caylor and Raymond

ate LOTS of popsicles

hung out with your favorite Aunt Rach

Then when Mommy got home we went to spend some time with Diddy and Susu before heading back home. You got to drive Diddy's boat.

caught some fish

jumped off the boat

and swam in their hot tub!

We had a great time but Daddy was sure glad to have us back home!

God is great, God is good

2011-08-04T18:06:00.000-07:00

You have been saying our prayers for meals for awhile now. I finally got it on video to remember the sweetness of your very first prayer. And how precious it is that you ask me each time, "Mommy, can I pray for our food?"

Maybe one day I can convince you to wait to eat until AFTER the prayer is over :)

Girlfriend

2011-07-31T17:51:00.000-07:00

Today at church you decided that you had your first girlfriend. Ashley, or Ash and you sometimes call her, has been one of you favorite people for awhile now. My heart skipped a beat thought I will admit hearing you say that you had a "girlfriend" for the first time. I had to take this video because I told your Daddy that one day when you are 30 and bringing over your first real girlfriend, haha okay maybe 16, I will still remember this sweet voice and hear you saying just this way. "But Mommy, she is my girrrrfrieeeend!"

Rough Week!

2011-07-30T11:02:00.000-07:00

You have had a bit of a rough week this week buddy. First of all you had your first nightmare on Monday night. Your Daddy put you down and an hour later we heard you screaming crying. He went in to check on you and you pointed to the ceiling and said the monkeys were trying to get you!! He calmed you down, told you he took care of them, prayed with you and then put Buzz Lightyear up on your dresser so he could protect you. You were fine the rest of the night but asked where they went again the next morning. I felt so bad.. but you handled it well!

The next morning you and Daddy were playing in our bedroom before he went to work. You accidentally fell and hit your eye on our bedframe.... giving yourself your FIRST pump knot on your head which turned into a small black eye. Look how cute you are with your battle wound :)

Tuesday night we went over to Tony and Debra's to swim in their pool with the Brantley's. You evidently got in too quick after dinner because you had your first time throwing up in their pool! Daddy said you did it 3 times and were a champ... just threw up and then went on with swimming. Yall had fun after it was over at least!

On a brighter note..you are doing EXCELLENT at potty training! You have now decided that you want to pee standing up like a big boy. We got you a stool so you could reach it and believe it or not you have gone by yourself a few times without my help!

There will be more weeks like this in your life son and I hope you keep trust Jesus and keep on going :)

Daddy and Griffin day

2011-07-29T11:14:00.000-07:00

You and Daddy have "Daddy and Griffin day" once a month to give you two some concentrated time together. This one started with a bike ride before it got too hot. You honked your horn the whole way :)

Then after playing some wii football, choo choos and reading some books yall let Carter and I join you for Kids fest at the mall. You loved the big slide!

And jumped in the jump house with the big boys for the first time :)

First Bible Verse

2011-07-20T09:37:00.000-07:00

Potty Time!

2011-07-18T08:19:00.000-07:00

Mommy was feeling extra lucky last week on 7.11.11 and decided to try potty training.
Again! I am convinced now that the first time I tried you were just way too young and boy what a difference 4 months has made! Our method this time was a mixture of several I had heard and it is now safe to say a week later you are POTTY TRAINED!

All smiles and excited to be a big boy and peepee on the potty!

We went and threw out our diapers on Monday morning and were straight to the big boy undies. You were thrilled because I had you Cars underwear! I will say that day 1 was very trying for Mommy because you had 6 accidents and it seemed like all I did was clean up pee that day. You were very sad every time you did it, and wanted to help me clean it up. I was taking you every 20 minutes to try and you just couldnt make yourself go. It seemed like every time we tried you would go 10 minutes later in the floor. I was praying that it would just click and sure enough when Daddy got home that night at 8:30 he took you and you PEED! So we ended day 1 with SUCCESS!
Very happy Tuesday morning because you made it all night without an accident and Carter slept through the night!!
Day 2 brought about a lot of pee pee dancing! Not only did you keep your bed dry ALL night, you got up and went straight to the bathroom and peed. Then right after breakfast you had your first #2!! In fact you had 3 #2's that day and told me every time you needed to go! We had lots of candy (jellybeans) and celebrated even more with popsicles for the poo's!

Celebrating your first poo with a popsicle :)
Day 3 We shared with Jackson, who is also potty training. Still no accidents for you and we were thrilled!

Day 4 you Stayed with uncle Phil while Mommy went to the consignment sale. Mommy got you mater to ride as a prize for being such a BIG BOY!
You LOVE Mater!!

Day 5 still no accidents and we even took you out in "public" for the first time to the park. You tried when we first got there with no success but on our way out you peed in the "big potty" as you called it! First success in public and out of your comfort zone.. YAY!

Day 6 we spent a lot of time outside cleaning the cars and working in the yard and sadly Mommy and Daddy took for granted that you knew how to tell us when you had to go and forgot to keep asking you. Well Daddy sprayed you with a water hose and you had yourself an accident. You had one other while playing with your cars outside, and again I blame that on myself because I was sidetracked.

Day 7 was Sunday and we spent all day at church. You did your first standing up to pee in the nursery and you did great! We had a REALLY long day that day, not getting home until 10pm and you did great all day until we made it to dinner and you had an accident in the middle of Chilis. Oh well.. still counting focusing on the positives!!

showing off your Mater undies

Camping at White Lake

2011-07-06T08:32:00.000-07:00

This was our "home" for the last 5 days and your first experience camping! We were invited to White Lake for the 4th of July and had a blast with our adopted family. I was a little sceptical at first that we would survive with you and your brother sleeping wise but yall did GREAT! In fact you set records for sleeping in.... 9:45, 9:15 and never before 8:30!!

It was beautiful weather the entire time and we enjoyed swimming in the lake during the late mornings/early afternoons.

You made great pals with Allie and she loved playing Mommy to you.

You also had great playmates in Ash and her friend KK, or as you called her most of the time "I really dont know" ha.

Most nights after dinner we played cornhole and you were a good spectator.

You did terrific taking naps with Woody each day too.

Isaac was your other buddy and you two enjoyed playing in the sand.

You were SO brave playing in the water. Elmo was a great help at keeping you afloat. The water was very shallow so you could walk around on your own. You were a bit too brave for Mommy at times though wanting to do everything by yourself and even trying to go under. Daddy or I stuck right beside you and we had fun watching you explore.

You wanted to play with the big kids and ride a tricycle too. Although your feet couldnt reach the pedals you scooted yourself with your feet and had fun doing it!!

This was your new ride around the campground. You LOVED biking with Daddy :)

Monday night we went to the fireworks with everyone for the 4th celebrations

You were so sweet to help feed your brother

All the crazy kiddos!

You have become such a big boy since we brought you here last year!

We are so thankful for Mark, Julie, Ashley and Heather inviting us!

Tuesday morning we had a softball game with everyone- our first annual and one we will definitely repeat!

You and your other new friend Gabe were so excited to swing after the game! And let me just say you were hte dirtiest you have EVER been! You had practically been rolling in the dirt/sand ha.

When we got home Tuesday night I asked you what your favorite part about the lake was and you said, "playing in the dirt!"

VBS

2011-07-01T08:02:00.000-07:00

This year for VBS we traveled to "The Big Apple...New York City"! It was a lot of fun and the taxi was your favorite part.

You were old enough to be in a class this year and were so excited that your best buddy Phillip was in there too.

Dancing to "The VBS rap" was your alls most favorite activity :)

The last night we had a cookout with all the families and you enjoyed getting a balloon....

AND a snowcone!

It was so fun to hear you on the way home every night singing, "Vbs, Vbs, Vbs!" You looked forward to it each day and when we got to the church you would ask to go to your class. The only part that you DIDNT like was the puppets on the last night...boy were you scared ha! You clung to me like never before!!!

Silly, crazy, sweet, popsicle loving boy!

2011-06-14T17:44:00.000-07:00

I just cant get over this picture. Story goes, you decided while were in Daddy's office that you wanted Carter and yourself to wear the cowboy hats and then asked for me to take your picture. I have no doubt this picture will show up again one day when you are older :)

This is your other new thing... crazy expressions with your eyebrows. All of a sudden you have become over expressive with your face, specifically with your eyes and eyebrows. I just happened to catch this look while you were "picking my toe jam!"

You also still love being in front of the camera. I was taking Carter's monthly picture with Sojo and you went and got yours and told me it was your turn. Cheese machine!

Silly boy who loves to re-try out all the baby things we have out again for Carter

Popsicle fanatic!

You ask for one CONSTANTLY. After breakfast, when you just wake up, anytime we ask you what you want to eat ha! We can thank Mimi and Potts for this :)

I happened to walk in on this sweet big brother moment. While I was putting away laundry I heard you say, "Carter, this is Noah. He put the animals on the boat 2 by 2!" I love that you want to teach your little brother... so precious!

Pool time with Cici and Pip

2011-06-09T12:32:00.000-07:00

We got to hang out with Cici and Pipper a few days while we were in town too and they just LOVED having you boys!

We had a pool day at their neighborhood pool that was SO fun! You and Cici enjoyed lounging in the floats.

Cici and her boys

You, Daddy and Pip played baseball

and squirted Aunt Rach with the water gun

shooting some hoops!

remembering your baby days at the pool when you rode in Mr. Crab :)

That evening we had dinner with everyone and Aunt Rach is STILL your fav!

Uncle Tyty was so excited that you are now a popsicle boy too!

And Mimi, Potts and Cici couldnt stop laughing at your silly self! A few things you said were, "I love pizza SO much, Amen!" and "Oh yea BABY!"

Granny, Tristan and Olivia

2011-06-09T11:24:00.000-07:00

We had a fun day with your Granny, Tristan, Olivia and Aunt Leann at the park. It was so fun to see all of you together!

splashing in the lake

ring around the rosies

"Look Mom, I found a rock!"

They had a fun splash pad that you werent so sure about at first but finally warmed up to. Here you are with Tristan and Daddy trying to decide which way you wanted to go.

and off yall went!

jumping over the water

very fun time at the park... time to go to McDonalds!

Granny treated you all to icecream cones

We also went to dinner at Red Bones. Here you are making funny faces together.

looking at the boats with Tristan

Granny and her grandkids

Lake fun with Diddy and Susu

2011-06-09T11:08:00.000-07:00

We took our vacation to TN this summer for some fun on the lake!

Daddy teaching you how to fish

With Diddy's help you caught your first fish!!!

Daddy taught you to hold the fish and throw it back in the lake

And Susu taught you that you gotta hold your mouth just right to catch one :)

swimming with diddy

driving the jet ski

driving the boat with Diddy

hot tub

roasting marshmellows

Wordless Wednesday: Miss Ella Claire

2011-06-08T18:17:00.000-07:00

Boobie pads

2011-05-26T18:11:00.000-07:00

I was debating on whether to post this or not but I cant help to because its so funny! So ever since I have been nursing your little brother you have been obsessed.... I dont even need to explain except to say one day when I was doing laundry I looked over and you had picked up my bra which you call "boobie pads." :) :) :)

Oh you silly little boy!!!

Stud muffin

2011-05-21T07:13:00.000-07:00

look how cute you looked at your Uncle Jake and Aunt Stacey's wedding today!

Life at 2

2011-05-03T08:53:00.001-07:00

Life at 2 years old for you is quite the adventure. You have more energy than we know what to do with, talk and talk and talk ALL the time and yet still are the sweetest little boy. The defiance is becoming more of an issue as you have learned to test your boundaries. And oh that temper, which I blame on Daddy, when it shows up its not good! Would you believe that you had to be disciplined FOUR times during just the one hour of Sunday school this past week?!? Mrs. Debra wasnt sure who the new kid with the attitude was but I assured her we had hit 2 head on! You truly are a joy though and make us laugh all the time... and we will get the best of that temper soon too :)

Love this picture of you at the beach holding up your 2 fingers to tell us how old you are. You cant quite hold them up without using the other hand.... but I think its too cute!

You are wearing 24 months and 2T these days, 5 in shoes and weigh 26.9 lbs. We had your 2 year checkup on Friday and the doctor said you looked great! She was a sweet lady and was trying to play with you but sadly when she pushed a button on her cow and it moooed... you started screaming crying and didnt quite during the entire exam. I was so proud of you in the beginning because your Daddy and I explained that they were going to check you out and that you didnt need to be afraid but that mooooo was all it took haha.... and once you get going you sure dont stop!

You are still a big cheese! Often asking me to take pictures of you and when I pull the camera out you get the best fake smile out for me!!

Daddy's little shadow could be your nickname these days. Everything he is doing, you want to do. You two were fixing the fence here and he said you were a very good helper, handing him the nails when he needed them.

Caught! Haha yes there caught with a purse in your hand. And you may or may not also play with the baby dolls and stroller in your class at church. I mean I see nothing wrong with it but your Daddy doesnt like to see it :) Of course you are carrying a ball at the same time!

You are becoming more and more into puzzles these days. In the past you would get frustrated at them if you couldnt fit the pieces in but now you are very good at figuring them out.

We got you these stars for your birthday because Daddy had found one and put it up in your room and you LOVED it! You sing "twinkle twinkle little star" to it every night when you go to bed. Daddy has also taught you that God made the stars and the planets so we can hear you saying to your sock monkey, "Sojo, God made the stars... God made everything!"

We have a game we play where you either give Mommy kisses or Daddy kisses. You will say, "No they are Mommy/Daddy's kisses..." and then only give them to Mommy/Daddy, whichever one you have chosen for that moment. It is precious :)

I think you are a rockstar in the making. You got TWO guitars for your birthday and when you pick them up to play, every single time you sing "Jesus loves me." Another recent song that you sing ALL the time is, "Everythings gonna be alright, got Jesus in my life!" And did I mention you YELL it?!? Well it has been fitting recently for sure as your Mommy has sure needed to hear that reminder :)

A few other favorite of your sayings right now are:

-ah oh spaghetti- oooooooos!

-wow nelly!

-I need ____ RIGHT NOW!

-Biffin do it (thats what you call yourself)

-I want to go outside please Mommy!

You continue to love sports and we are playing them constantly. Daddy recently found some pretend bases so we put them down in the living room and you "pitch it, hit it, and run!" And if we arent doing it inside, you are asking to go and run the bases outside at the ball fields behind our house. Just last night I took you down there and one of the moms asked me, "Do you know someone on the team?" I smiled and replied, "No, we live closeby and my little boy just LOVES to watch them play, so I bring him down here." She later laughed as she heard you say, "first base, second base, home plate and good job boys!"

I cherish these times with you little boy. I just told your Daddy the other day I wish I could freeze time. I love your innocence, your love that you show, and how everything is so fun and new to you.... this has to be one of my favorite stages. Well except the constant WHINING!!! Ha but I know that just goes along with the stage of being 2 so I forgive you :)

I love you little boy,

Your Mommy

Your Allstar 2nd birthday party

2011-04-29T07:35:00.000-07:00

We invited some of your best buddies as well as church family and our TN family to come and have a ball with you at your Allstar birthday party! Being the ball lover that you are, this was the perfect theme! We had ball decor, ball cupcakes, ball Easter eggs AND all kinds of ball games for you to play!

You were so excited about your party and the week leading up to it you would wake up every morning and ask if it was time for your birthday party...then say, "no its later." ha

Your Daddy and I loved celebrating with you this year because you did have a genuine excitement and now understand what a party is. It was fun to see you run around with your friends too! Memories we will cherish for years to come!

Here is a video of all the pics-

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Happy 2nd Birthday!!!

2011-04-26T12:02:00.000-07:00

We are celebrating 2 wonderful years with you today, sweet boy! Oh how time has flown by... AND what a fun year this has been! We have seen you become a little boy and develop quite the personality. I love seeing what makes you smile, watching you learn all sorts of things and how your heart is so full of love! You are truly a blessing to us and we cant thank God enough for being able to be your Mommy and Daddy!

Watch this video of the highlights of your last year.... some of my favorite photos and videos.

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

We love you little boy!!!

Checking off our list!

2011-04-15T07:09:00.000-07:00

Last night we were grocery shopping and you asked to see the list and pen. Out of nowhere you said, "Mommy, we need milk! Its on our list." You continued to say, "We need salsa, cereal, pizza.." which were all actual things we had to get and then would say, "Lets check it off our list!" and then pretended to mark it off with the pen. To say you are a sponge, taking everything in, is a TOTAL understatement :)

2 weeks before turning 2!!

2011-04-12T12:28:00.000-07:00

Im overdue on your blog sweet boy and I do apologize. Right now I am posting once a day for Carter's first year (just like I did for you) and so unless you do something big or extra cute I just havent thought about it.. SORRY! Anyways you are always cute and you can see from this moment I caught above. You thought you were too big, and too cool propping your feet up and reading your favorite book. Reading is still on your top 3 things to do and we read SEVERAL books a day. There are times where you will ask if you can read it to me "Griffin read it," and then look over and ask me if I am listening :)

The weather is getting better these days so we are spending more time outside and you LOVE it! "Go walk?" you will ask, or if you see the neighborhood kids out you want to play with them too.

You are a great big brother and I love love love this picture I got of the 2 of you watching the NCAA basketball tournament. You were so sweet, asking if Carter could sit with you and then trying to tell him what the players were doing. "Dribble, shoot, oh no fall down!"

You think it is so funny when Carter moves his hands and touches you... you think it tickles :)

We recently went to TN and were spoiled by being near the lake all the time. You were right in your element getting to throw sticks and watch for boats. This was the trip that proved how much you loved being in TN bc for 3 weeks now you have asked if you could go back. Im always so sad to have to tell you, "No buddy, not today!" :(

Life with 2 precious boys is wonderful! You two are such a blessing to your Daddy and I!!!

A few other things to note about Griffin 2 weeks before he turns 2:

-you said your first prayer last night. every time we sit down to eat you say, "Daddy pray or Mommy pray." Well this time you said, "Griffin pray." and so we let you and it was precious... "Lord, thank you food, Amen!"

-you ask "whats that?"about 1000 times a day and when you arent asking that you say, "Where did _____ go?" very inquisitive little boy you are :)

-you are testing your limits these days wanting to see just how far you can go. You do not like getting "pow pows" as we call them but unfortunately do get them.

Potty training attempt 1

2011-03-26T17:10:00.000-07:00

We attempted to do some potty training the last 4 days and I am sad to say you arent fully there as of yet but have made some GREAT progress! By the end of day 4 you had all your pees in the potty and were very proud of your big boy underwear. However, you werent quite ready to make the public debut so we decided to just stop and let you try again in a few months. You understand that you need to go to the bathroom on the potty, but just cant physically make it happen... and that makes you and us very sad. No rush though.. you arent even two :)

And the only reason Mommy tried is because you always ask to use your little potty AND you had pooped in it on your own a few months ago!!!

123s

2011-03-14T08:09:00.000-07:00

Rocky Top Tennessee!

2011-03-10T13:51:00.000-08:00

You learned to sing Rocky Top just in time for March Madness.

Mommy and Daddy love it!!

ENJOY :)

Quotes to remember

2011-03-09T18:49:00.000-08:00

You vocabulary is out the roof these days, and honestly you can say anything!
You are keeping us laughing all the time with what you say and I want to make sure we remember these sweet moments and your personality. Here are some of your recent quotes:

"Good mornin big red...nice to meet you big red" when walking out the door
"Buckle up mommy!"- if I havent already buckled up
"Mommy or daddy's kisses" it changes everyday who's kisses they are :)
"I like bojangles"
"Jesus died on the cross... for you and me"
you stepped on the scale and said, "2 dollars"
"Abraham trusted God"
"Hear my son, and be wise. Guide your heart in the way." -your Bible verse we have been working on since you were born!
"No more questions griffin"- copying what I said... yes you were asking too many questions!!
What are you going to do at church, Griffin?- "Tell my friends about Jesus"

22 months!

2011-02-26T08:53:00.000-08:00

This has been a big month for you as we have all learned to adjust to our new family of 4! Overall you do love being a big brother and are very protective of Carter. There are times when you are impatient if I am tending to him and get upset but for the most part you are always concerned what he is doing and hug and kiss on him :)

You love birthdays these days.... not to mention waffles. You and Daddy made this for me to celebrate!

Me and you on my 28th birthday

Uncle Phil is your very favorite playmate! You get sooooo excited when we tell you he is coming over and he blesses Mommy often by coming to play so I can get some things done. I love seeing you two together but have learned that Uncle Phil likes to teach you crazy things such as saying, "Ribbit ribbit" when you poot or "Far out dude!" Gotta love it :)

Jonathan is also a best "buddy." It is too precious when yall are together because you actually call him "buddy!"

Isaac is another special friend. He also had a birthday and you loved going to his party!

You and Daddy picked him out a spiderman boxing toy and had to try it out yourselves. ALL BOY!

You are facinated with trains these days and we recently went to the mall and you were able to ride the train around inside.... You were so thrilled!!

Now that you have said your ABCs, we are concentrating on your 123s. I found this puzzle and you love to put it together. You have the ABCs on the brain so much though that you currently still even call your numbers "ABCs"!

Your speech development is outstanding! You can say anything and everything you want and hardly ever stop talking. The sweetest thing is to hear you sing.... and of course I loved it that you sang to me all day on my birthday :)

Your favorites are "Twinkle little star," "Jesus loves me," "ABCs" and "Happy birthday."

ABCs and Jesus loves me by yourself!!!

2011-02-17T18:51:00.000-08:00

YOU SAID YOUR ABCS ALL BY YOURSELF!!!!!!!!!!

AND SANG JESUS LOVES ME!!!!!

Your Daddy and I are over joyed... all those times we have sang to you since you have been born must have paid off.... so so so proud :)

Such a sweet big brother

2011-02-13T16:18:00.000-08:00

You had such a great time with your Susu and VDiddy while Mommy and Daddy were in the hospital this week. You all played ball of all kinds, you learned to bat left handed, and they took you to chuck E cheese! We are so blessed for all their help with you!!

I was so thankful for how excited you were when we brought your brother home. You said "Hi Carter!" and then immediately wanted to check him out.

Then you asked to hold him and just smiled the whole time :)

You are asking to hold him just about every day and my favorite thing so far is when he is crying you say, "Its okay, Carter!"

You and Daddy often just sit and watch him. You think he is pretty funny with all the noises he makes!

I can definitely say, having your brother has made us realize just how BIG you are! Your vocabulary, awareness to whats going on and just overall developmental growth amazes me..not to mention how darn cute you are :)

You have had several outings with Daddy since we brought Carter home. It has done you both good to just get out of the house! He said he looked back in the car and noticed you had turned your hat sideways... you silly boy!

And another favorite this week is when we had photos taken of Carter, you being the camera shark had to get in front of it and pose too. This is one that Mr. Tony caputured and then put with this background. Our little football star :)

You are a BIG Brother!

2011-02-07T16:08:00.000-08:00

Today we welcomed your brother into our family! Ever since we found out we were pregnant, I knew I wanted you to have a little brother so that you guys would hopefully be the best of friends! It was a big day for our family and I think you truly understood what was going on!

Diddy and Susu brought you to the hospital a few hours after he was born for you to meet him. You came over to see him and werent quite sure what to think at first. We had been telling you about Carter and how he was coming but I am sure it was just hard to put 2 and 2 together that he was in mommy's belly and now was out with us! It was the saddest thing because when Carter started crying you puckered up your lip, said, "Its okay Carter," and then proceeded to cry yourself. You are so tender hearted that you just hated seeing him cry. It broke all of our hearts!!!

Here we are officially as a family of four! I cant wait to watch you and your brother grow up together. Your Daddy and I are TRULY blessed with you two boys!

Daddy/Griffin time

2011-01-28T10:14:00.000-08:00

Your Daddy and I believe it is very important for each of us to get to spend individual time with both you and Carter. So... we have started planning Daddy/Griffin time at least once a month. Today was your first time doing it and you went and got breakfast at one of Daddy's favorite spots: Borders.

Then you headed to Daddy's old work to see his friends there. You LOVE seeing your Papaw and always have a blast!

I'm so thankful for what a great daddy you have. He loves you SO much!

Snoozing

2011-01-27T12:29:00.000-08:00

This is how I found you sleeping during your nap. I had just put you down about 2 minutes early and came back in your room to get something and you were OUT. You thoroughly enjoy sleep like your Momma :)

I wanted to point out a few things so you would remember when you are older what you liked. First of all, you are still a paci sleeper. We hope to get rid of this by 2, however for now its one of the highlights of your day when you can go to your bed and find it. Also, you always want to have your blanket (which you typically hold the tag of), your puppy (somehow made it to the top of your head this time) and Sojo with you.

21 months

2011-01-26T06:55:00.000-08:00

Hey there my sweet boy! Cant believe you are 21 months old today! You are Mr. Personality and keeping us on our toes these days. We continue to be amazed at the things you are picking up on now, you are literally a sponge! You repeat ANYTHING we say and have quite the vocabulary already. Many people have commented to us about what a good talker you are and I just say that you have a lot to say (and come by it honest from both your Daddy and I ha!) I love having conversations with you and contribute your talkativeness to the fact that we have always just had an ongoing conversation with you. Even when you weren't saying anything at all, we were talking to you, asking you questions, etc. Now at times we cant get you to STOP talking!!!

You are going to be a BIG BROTHER this month! We have been slowly getting all of your old baby things out for Carter and you always want to try them out. You are very sweet though and already say "Thats Carter's." I am eager to see how you respond once he comes. You really love newborn babies, as we have visited several these past few weeks and all you want to do is hug and kiss on them. I am however concerned that you will be a little jealous of having to share mommy and daddy's attention with someone else. You are feeding yourself, sleeping in a big bed, telling us when you want things and even showing interest in the potty... ALL things a BIG BOY does :)

We recently took a trip back to Chuck E Cheese. It reminded me of the first time we took you on your birthday. You have definitely grown a TON since then!

You enjoyed driving with Daddy

and another one of your absolute favorite things to do, "Shoot it!"

A few other things to note about you at 21 months:

-recently while in Target Mommy was buying some wrapping paper and before I knew it you had picked it up out of the cart and were swinging it full out! Well sadly Mommy was the target and because you have such a strong swing, it hit me right in the side of the face! I was in TOTAL shock and with the lady who was also in the aisle could only laugh in amazement. My little slugger :)

-we have put pictures up in your room now and your very favorite is "Daddy's football jersey," which you point at each time you go to bed and wake up. so sweet- he is your hero for sure and I love it!

-you are still sleeping pretty well. recently you have been waking up more in the middle of the night but for the most part you sleep from 8pm-7:30am and LOVE your naps!

-your eating habits change daily. one day you will eat anything we place in front of you and the other you wont eat anything AT ALL! its frustrating but I figure you wont let yourself starve. Your favorite thing to eat is Raisin bran... too funny! Another thing where you just want to be just like Daddy :)

Ready for the Sunshine!

2011-01-20T07:32:00.000-08:00

We got lucky and had one day where it was nice out so we enjoyed a few hours going for a walk and then playing basketball and riding your tricycle. It made me VERY eager for the Spring!! Cant wait until we can play more outside since you are at a great "playing" age :)

Your favorite girl

2011-01-12T12:45:00.001-08:00

We had a playdate with Ella Claire today and I peeked around the corner to find you two on the couch and you had your arm around her. She is your favorite girl :)

First time using the potty!

2011-01-11T12:42:00.000-08:00

Tonight you decided you wanted to go and use the big boy potty.. AND YOU DID! We literally didnt think you would do it but after you ran into the bathroom and tried taking your pants off, Daddy helped you and then you sat down and peed and pooped! We were so thrilled!

1.11.11- monumental moment for you son :)

Daddy's mini me

2011-01-07T18:22:00.000-08:00

Daddy was going to the store today and you wanted to go with him..so yall went to your room to get you dressed and before I knew it yall both walked out looking like this. You were so proud because you thought you were just like Daddy with a hat on... his hat nonetheless :)

3rd haircut

2011-01-07T18:06:00.000-08:00

I forgot I had these pictures of Cici giving you another haircut over the holidays but we were so impressed with how well you did! You sat there very still, unlike the first 2 times :)

Sports fanatic

2011-01-05T08:15:00.000-08:00

Every morning when you wake up, we immediately go and eat "creal" aka Raisin bran, your favorite (which by the way you are very good at feeding it to yourself, milk and all!). Then after breakfast we have some sports training, all initiated by you of course. You want to do some batting practice, shoot a few hoops and then throw the football. And no I am not kidding, EVERY morning this is the things you ask to do ha! I truly love that you are a sports fanatic because I truly enjoy doing it with you. Most of the rest of the morning we are reading some books, playing with your trains and tractors, and throwing more balls in between. ALL BOY!

I just put you down for your nap because you asked to do so. You enjoy sleeping and I am so grateful! I have been SO thankful that you are doing so well in your big boy bed. We put you down at 8pm and you slept until 7:30 this morning, and would have probably slept longer had the neighbor not decided to break out the chainsaw and cut down a tree by your window. Your Daddy and I talked about how blessed we are last night with such a good boy! It is by no means anything we have done, I know that :)

Love you my sweet boy!

Big Boy Room!

2010-12-31T19:27:00.000-08:00

On Christmas, Daddy and I set up your big boy room for you. We havent completed it all yet, but your bed is ready! You just love all the balls everywhere :)

To bring in the New Year, we decided it was time for you to sleep in your big boy bed. We took you in there and told you what you were going to do and without a fuss you just laid down....

and closed your eyes. As I type this you have been asleep now for 2 hours and not a peep. You are such a good boy... we are so blessed by you son!

Music City Bowl

2010-12-30T19:24:00.000-08:00

The Big Orange played UNC tonight in the Music City bowl and even though it was a heartbreaking last second loss for us... this shirt still sums it up for you. Once a Vol fan, ALWAYS a VOL fan :)

Oh wow! Christmas!

2010-12-27T18:32:00.000-08:00

This Christmas was special in so many ways. You didnt understand anything last year so to hear you say "Oh WOW!" every time you opened a present was so sweet! We also had our first Christmas in our own home here in NC. This was the set-up that your Daddy did with all your presents... he wanted you to be excited when you got up :)

And excited you were!!!

Daddy helped you open all the gifts while I took pictures. You got a Buzz Lightyear, Little People Nativity set and big boy baseball potty from us, along with some tractors and animals from your stocking. You were very spoiled by others as well, receiving 3 tractors, train table, pass punt and kick football set, baseball tee, leapfrog tag book system, puzzles, books, clothes, who knows what I am forgetting AND.....

the basketball goal!!! It was most definitely your favorite.. so much so that you had to stop and shoot the ball between each present you opened. We spent the majority of the day playing basketball :)

One THRILLED little boy :)

with Mommy, Daddy and Carter

Uncle Phil spent most of the day with us too. You can see what most of his time was doing too :)

Being in our own home allowed us to have less time running around everywhere and more time starting traditions and concentrating on the true reason for Christmas. You and I made Jesus a birthday cake. You were thrilled to have "cake" and hearing your little voice say, "Happy... Jesus!" was just precious.

While you took your nap, your Daddy and I worked hard to get your new big boy room sat up. We had been waiting until we got back from TN to do it and it took awhile to get things moved out and then everything put away... but you LOVED it so it was worth it!

Your train table is your favorite part of the room. I have never seen you play by yourself with one toy for so long! Now everytime you get up you ask to see the choo choo AND you always go and tell the choo choo good night too.

I just loved seeing the joy of Christmas through your eyes this year and cant wait for many more memories celebrating Jesus' birthday with you. I love you my sweet boy :)

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-24T19:34:00.001-08:00

With Glee Christmas

Personalized Christmas cards at Shutterfly.

View the entire collection of cards.

3 point stance

2010-12-17T20:39:00.000-08:00

Daddy has been giving you 3 point stance 101 lessons lately. You are getting much better since you actually have your feet and hands on the ground now!

Down set.....

Go, go go!!!!

You now want Daddy to play "tackle" ALL the time :)

The Todd kiddos came over and joined in on the fun too. Love their faces ha!

Life as a 19 month old

2010-12-16T06:00:00.001-08:00

Little boy, you are too much fun these days. We laugh all the time and I am so thankful you are such a good boy. We are told all the time by others that you are very well behaved and a delight to be around. We are so thankful for these sweet times when you are young, knowing it wont be like this for long :(

These days we have been having so much fun. As I type this, you and your Daddy are sitting in the floor playing with your new train. We got it for you to go around the Christmas tree and you are in love with blowing the horn and watching the smoke come out. You have learned how to control it on your own and when you turn it on you say, "Go, go go!"

Yesterday you said some pretty funny things that I wanted to make sure I wrote down. First, when we were eating lunch you said, "Shoo Mommy, I dont like it!" You were eating a peanut butter sandwich and you do really like them but do not like the crust ha. Also when we were in Target, I had to check out the maternity tank top section which was over in the bra section. Well all of a sudden you looked up at me, smiled and said, "Boobies, Mommy," then laughed. It cracked me up that you associated the bras correctly and then it was like you were embarrassed to be around them ha. Another favorite is that when we tell you we love you, you now say, "Love you too!" We never taught you to say too... you are just that smart :)

We are doing everything we can to get you to be ready to be a big brother. Aunt Jen brought over Grayson yesterday, who is 2 1/2 months old, and you were so sweet to him. You asked if you could hug and then kiss him.... and although the hug was more like a headlock, it was still sweet. You were very concerned when he started crying while he was getting his diaper changed and kept saying, "Cry baby, cry baby." (not calling him a cry baby but saying that the baby was crying ha!) You have also visited with Ella Claire's little brother who was only 2 weeks old and he is the one who taught you to fake cry. After hearing him cry while we were there, once we left and were in the car I heard you doing a fake cry where you scrunched up your face and mauked the baby's cry. Anytime you see my belly, you point and say Carter, but I am quite certain that you have no idea what is about to hit ya when he is here with us :)

You have learned who Santa is now and every time you see him you say, "Ho, ho, ho!" I am trying to teach you to say Merry Christmas but I think its too much of a mouthful for now.

Daddy has just taught you this. When he asks, "What did Jesus say?" You say, "love God, love people." Sometimes you forget the love part and just say God and people... but you are getting there. You also can answer "Who is the Bible about?"... Jesus. And "what did God make?"... everything! It is the cutest little southern drawn evry-thang I have ever heard :)

Well thats all I can think of for now and you are pleading for me to play "tackle" with you so I must go. Love you my little boy!!!

Uncle Phil's got a girlfriend :)

2010-12-13T20:03:00.000-08:00

Yearly Ornaments

2010-12-09T15:06:00.000-08:00

Every year as a tradition you will receive a new ornament to commemorate the year. We will let you pick them out once you are older but for now we are just picking something that was extra special to you for that year. Your 2010 ornament is a football with a UT helmet man on top. Its JUST the thing to describe what you were in to for this year... both FOOTBALL and UT :)

This is your first Christmas ornament for 2009. Sock monkeys are very special to you. Not only do you have about 5, plus several other sock monkey accessories, but we also took a monthly picture with Sojo your first 12 months. We didnt find this ornament until this year, but I am SO glad we did.. because it is perfect for your first year!

Good buddies

2010-12-08T13:11:00.000-08:00

You were ALL smiles today! It was your first time making it to the top of a playgym at Chickfila! We had a shopping day with the Todds and you were thrilled that you were big enough to play with the big kids. When you made it to the bottom you said, "Fast, Mommy!"

This is the way the 3 of you came down! Lily was so protective of you.... she is such a good big sister!

you also enjoyed driving the chickfila car

You would have NEVER made it without these two.. they were so sweet to help you!

We had dinner with good buddy Jonathan David and his parents tonight. You boys have grown up right before our eyes and I love watching the two of you together. He was sharing his pepperoni's with you.. it was precious :)

I love seeing you with your friends!

Daddy time!

2010-12-06T13:28:00.000-08:00

Mommy had a girls' weekend and you stayed home with Daddy. You rode the bus back to Durham with the primetimers from Myrtle Beach... and they spoiled you rotten!!!

stopped for shopping along the way

shopping with Daddy!

It snowed and yall watched the SEC championship together. You are a Daddy's boy for sure so I have no doubts yall had a blast :)

O Christmas Tree!

2010-11-22T11:06:00.000-08:00

This was your first year to help us put up the Christmas tree! You tried to help Daddy with the branches, but really didnt like how they tickled you. Your favorite part was throwing the "balls" or rather ornaments and accidentally shattered a few!

trying to figure out these lights!

Can you tell how proud you were?!?

Love this picture of you standing in amazement

We all 4 slept under the tree tonight, as it is our family tradition

You fell fast asleep on Daddy after all that hard work!

SORRY!

2010-11-20T11:19:00.000-08:00

"SORRY" is your new favorite word these days. We were walking in Michaels today and there were some ladies blocking the aisle. I said, "Excuse us please," and before I knew it you said, "SORRY!" really loud ha! You also use this at church when you are trying to get past someone and they are in your way. Too funny little boy!

SORRY but you are just too cute for words! And sorry I had to post these pictures even though they are a bit blurry since they were taken with a cell phone... to cute to pass up :)

Cici and Griffin time!

2010-11-10T19:15:00.000-08:00

You got to spend 3 whole days with just you and Cici! Mommy and Daddy went to the Baptist State Convention with some of our church family and you got to stay at home and play play play! Yall had so much fun playing with cars, trains and balls :)

Kickoff!

2010-11-10T19:12:00.000-08:00

You, my son, officially know how to do a football kick off THE REAL way at 18 months old. Your Daddy takes great pride in teaching you all things football and it is the cutest thing in the world to see you throw that little finger in the air, make a fake whistle noise to give you your cew and then run and kick the ball off the tee.

I cant wait for you to see this video one day! So sorry its sideways... sometimes technology isnt very smart :)

The dreaded CANINES!

2010-11-10T19:06:00.000-08:00

Ugh.. poor boy! You are getting all 4 canine teeth in at the same time! We came home today and Cici said your nose had been running and you had bad diarrhea... both signs of teething! Sure enough when I checked your gums.. all 4 have broken the surface! Praying that you get through this quickly and with the least pain as possible. Would you believe they just recalled teething tablets?!? AKA Mommy's lifesaver when you are teething :(

You still have the cutest face in the world, even if all snotty!

"T!!!!!"

2010-11-02T06:57:00.000-07:00

We were reading a book today and you pointed to the "T" on the page and said "TTTTT!" It caught us off guard because we have been going over the ABCs with you but didnt think you could recognize any yet.... then we realized with all the T's around it would obviously be your first one to recognize :)

What a big boy you are!!

Your new CAR!

2010-10-26T13:27:00.000-07:00

We were presented with the opportunity to use some money from a gift card to Toysrus this weekend after taking back one of your birthday presents. We had no idea they would take the return and were REALLY shocked when we received SO much back for it. Anyways.. after doing a happy dance around the parking lot we decided it was the perfect opportunity to splurge and get you your first powerwheels car! We decided on this police car so that you and Carter could drive around together.

Daddy worked very hard to put it all together and sadly were just slighty terrified when Daddy put you in it to drive for the first time... mainly bc of the loud sirens... and of course its all so new.

But when your friends came over you were happy to share and show it off ha!

I would say there will be many memories made in the future in your new car :)

18 months old!

2010-10-26T13:18:00.000-07:00

You are 18 months old little boy! Your usual picture with Sojo, except this time I told you that we needed to take a picture with him and you went and got him yourself, climbed up in the chair and then cheesed! Such a big boy you are....

Especially when just a year ago you looked like this!

You enjoy life to the fullest... never worried about getting dirty when it comes to your sweets.

True boy who loves tractors!

LOVE to read and your favorite book is the Bible

"Ball Boy"

learning how to ride your new car

master of the cheese :)

enjoy Sunday school and especially the painting!

happy boy

limeades from Sonic.. and not afraid of the lime!

becoming Mr. Independent who wants to feed himself

already a fan of the vols!

Mimi and Potts came to visit

2010-10-19T13:13:00.000-07:00

Mimi and Potts came to visit you for the weekend and you were so excited to have them at your home! You woke up every morning saying, "Mimi... Potts?" asking where they were. You wanted Mimi to hold you all the time and got stuck on the fact that Potts had an "ouch" on his arm so every time you saw him you said, "OUCH!" They loved spoiling you, bringing you new clothes, taking you to get your new bedding for your big boy room AND got you your first pair of big boy tennis shoes! You LOVE your Mimi and Potts :)

2010 NC State Fair

2010-10-16T13:12:00.000-07:00

VDiddy and Susu's visit!

2010-10-12T11:32:00.000-07:00

You were so excited to have your "Diddy" and "Susu" come and visit you this weekend! They got in late Friday night and you had to show them all your tricks before heading to bed. Saturday was a beautiful day and we enjoyed most of the day outside. You wanted to show off Big Red...

and we took them to the park so you could show them how you like to slide

by yourself too I might add!

We took a trip to Hill Ridge Farms so that they could see one of our favorite places.

You and "Diddy" playing in the fort

Look how big you are this year!

Showing off your dance moves

hayride on the tractor was your favorite part!

You spotted the pumpkins

"Punkins" are so cool!

You were little Mr. Cheese once you found your favorite one :)

We came home after a great dinner at Red, Hot and Blue and played some more. You were "getting" Diddy.

And you played a game with Susu where you would try and give her hugs away to the big bear and then she would come and get your belly- you loved it!

Then you decided to just give her hugs without her asking :)

You sure love your VDiddy and Susu!!

Aunt Stacey and Uncle Jake

2010-10-10T11:38:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago you got to hang out with your Aunt Stacey and Uncle Jacob while me and Daddy went to a wedding rehearsal dinner. I just got these pictures from Stacey and thought they were too cute not to share. You had so much fun with them as you can tell!

Aunt Mer and Uncle Jordan came over too

Silly Jacob trying to get you to say "Go Dawgs"

You love Stacey and always smile so good for her!

Love these precious pics she got!

Mr. Cheese

Stacey's nephew Gabe came over to play and what do boys play, well baseball of course :)

October is here and that means....

2010-10-05T09:44:00.000-07:00

Sweatshirts!

Playdates inside with friends

taking a ride on the giraffe

and sharing secrets with each other :)

Making pancakes with Daddy!

You are always thrilled when Daddy sets you on the counter so you can help. Love that excitement on your face!

First ride on your tricycle

We have been getting things to put in your big boy room and of course you would guess you wanted anything with "BALLS!" I found this rug on clearance at Target and thought it was perfect. Here you are seeing it for the first time!

And I kid you not, you went back and forth for about 10 minutes pointing to all the balls :) Needless to say I think you like it!

Speaking of balls, the other night when I was making dinner I let you go out on our screened in porch to play. The next thing I knew, you had taken all your balls outside and displayed them on this bookshelf. Never did I mention to do this or had you seen us do it before... you came up with it totally on your own!! You are definitely proud of your prized possessions!

Our Sunday School theme for this week was "Jesus is my hero." Here you boys wearing your tshirts. You still LOVE being in the big boy class by the way. You play and play and dont even cry when I leave!

And last but not least here is Mr. Cool Dude. You were sporting Ashley's sunglasses when we went to pick you up from the James family household after our date night.

Oh you silly boy :)

17 months old!

2010-09-26T11:16:00.000-07:00

My sweet little boy, you are 17 months old today! Time is flying and it is getting crazy to believe that in just 4 months your little brother will be here with us too! You are so much fun these days. Babbling a mile a minute. Saying a new word just about every day. Some of your recent have been: fruit loops, papaw, Cici, Susu, Mimi, Potts, bowl, more, poopy... and still say BALL about every other word! You have started eating a lot better as well, and not quite as picky anymore. Some new things you have tried are: dumplings, spaghetti, macaroni, salad, chips and salsa, chicken nuggets, but you still LOVE bananas the best! We have been enjoying lots of walks outside lately. The weather has been great and Mommy has needed the exercise. We often walk over to the park behind our house so you can slide down the slide, watch boys hit baseballs or throw rocks in the pond. You have gotten really good at swinging the golf club and still try to turn everything you see into either a bat or a club. You love to wave at everyone you see when we pass them along our walks and often have to stop and pick up a rock just to carry with you. You are a big helper cleaning up and know just where everything goes. We have a ball bucket, block bin, car bucket and then just one for all other toys. You still love reading books and your favorites currently are your "bible" and "the night night prayer." We often ask you where your brother is and most of the time you point to Mommy's belly. We have practiced saying brother and Carter... you are getting there! You have recently started telling us when you want to go to bed, pointing to your room and saying night night, even when it may not be 8:00pm yet. One thing is for sure.. you love sleeping like your Mommy :)

We love watching you grow and every day we try to soak it in, it seems that you are just that much bigger the next day. You are our true joy and we are so thankful for you! Love you little buddy

Modeling for Mimi

2010-09-17T06:51:00.001-07:00

Mimi and Potts sent you and Carter some money to go shopping at the consignment sale. Here you are modeling everything we found. First of all your favorite footed pjs with BALLS!

baseball sweatshirt

bear jacket

not so sure about your new sweater

orange and white for the vols

vols means football... you had to go and show me the football :)

brown vest

corduroy jacket

and your fav- boots!

look at your chunky legs ha!

It was a very successful trip :) Thanks Mimi and Potts!!!

Baby Brother Carter!

2010-09-15T07:20:00.000-07:00

Today we found out that you are going to have a little BROTHER! We are so excited to welcome Carter into our family and I am eager to be able to watch two little boys grow up together. Although you have no idea what is going on really.. I think once you do you will be excited too :)

We have practiced saying "brother" and "Carter"... you are getting there :)

Perfecting your golf swing

2010-09-12T06:36:00.000-07:00

First Round of Golf

2010-09-08T06:10:00.001-07:00

Labor Day Weekend

2010-09-06T12:21:00.000-07:00

We took you to see the animals at Hill Ridge and enjoy the beautiful weather outside. You had been once before but were only 6 months old and werent big enough to do anything really ha.

Look at you little cheeser!

Feeding the goats corn

playing in the corn pit- we buried Daddy under it all!!

You found a tractor! You can spot them from a mile away these days :)

Daddy taught you how to make waffles and you loved being able to stir

there is always book reading time at our house. we are so happy that you love to read!

Mr. Sweets! Look at that smile after helping Daddy clean the brownie mix bowl :)

This is the hiding place you found all by yourself. Mommy randomly found you sitting under this table and you sat really quiet and then said, "BOO!"

you are such a smart boy :)

Saturday was UT's first football game this year so you had to show your support by wearing your uniform!

We took you to your first college football game Saturday night! Our blood will always run orange, but now that we live in NC we can cheer on the Blue too :)

We were so proud of you! You sat in our laps and intently watched the game with us. We were expecting to have to leave early but you just sat and loved every minute of it. We stayed until there was only 2 minutes left.... Duke beat Elon 41-27

Here you are throwing up your touchdown sign!

Sunday at church you practiced being a big brother by pushing the baby in the stroller. And no I didnt make you do it either :)

16 months old!

2010-08-26T17:10:00.000-07:00

Today you are 16 months old and a ball full of energy! These days you have mastered walking and are now running at times. You giggle all the time and for the most part are cheerful and happy. You are beginning to say some words and almost daily say a new one. Some of your favorites are hi, bye, BALL, shoe, cracker, BALL, tractor, momma, daddy, BALL and BALL. Yes you say ball ALL the time :) You just recently said football and touchdown... getting ready for football season! If you have a ball in your hand you are always happy and tend to search for one when you dont. You pick up a bat and swing it just like you know what you are doing and one of your favorite things to do is watch the baseball games at the fields behind our house. You are quite the daredevil these days climbing on the couches, sliding down slides on your own and wanting to walk everywhere without any help. You are eating much better now that I gave you the reins. If you can spoon it into your own mouth you are happy so you eat a lot of applesauce, fruit, yogurt and cereal. You are also very quick to let us know you are hungry- signing "eat, eat!" You love your boy time with Daddy when yall get in the floor and play rough. You still love to give us kisses all the time. You are a wonderful sleeper, sleeping from 8-8 and then take 2 naps during the day that are 2 hours at least. Overall you are simply a joy my son and we love every minute of our time with you. Your daddy and I often look at each other and say, "How did he get so big so fast?"

Silly boys

2010-08-24T08:36:00.000-07:00

You have been hanging out with Jonathan David lately and I'm beginning to see some similarities in the two of you.

You both can look like you are up to no good

see he is a UT fan too! and also isnt quiet sure what to think of the helmet ha!

Daddy was tickling him just like he does you

Both are jug heads at bathtime!

you two LOVE the bath!

and dumping water on your head

When its time for night night you are all about some MILK!

It is so fun to have a good buddy that you have so much in common with.

We love you Jonathan David :)

Weekend with our buddies!

2010-08-24T08:27:00.000-07:00

We were so excited to get to spend a weekend with our sweet friends Amy and Jackson this past weekend. They are our dearest friends that we met at seminary and when they moved back to TN it was very sad for us... so we were so grateful for more time together.

You scoped out a new domain and found a new favorite hiding place behind the curtains. Here you is saying, "BOO!" It was so fun to watch you boys chase each other in and out of these saying boo boo boo to each other :)

Daddy had to get in some good rough and tough boy time with Jack.. it had been awhile!

You both are very into books these days so Daddy loved being able to read to you.

bath time in Granna's giant tub!

You felt like you were in heaven with all the bubbles

Jack's favorite a part was to dump water on your head ha!

We headed to the splashpad Friday so you boys could enjoy the water. It was so hot that you were glad to be in it... Daddy included!

You had a blast running through all of the sprinklers. I love watching your face!

It was Jack's first time at a splashpad so it took him a little longer to jump in. He was so funny standing on the side taking it all in!

Daddy decided he would let you both experience.....

a BIG splash together :)

having a snack while learning how to share the grapes-tough lesson to learn!

I sure do love Jackson's Mommy. It so wonderful to have friends!!

The daddy and Griffin ball toss

2010-08-17T08:32:00.000-07:00

I caught you and your Daddy doing one of your favorite things to do together. Whenever you have a ball, Daddy will lay down on the floor and start throwing it in the air. You always then walk over and lay down beside him just to watch the ball go up and down. You typically giggle everytime and it is the sweetest.

You are always so perfectly happy when you are right by your Daddy's side. I am so glad you want to be just like him :)

Ashboro Zoo

2010-08-14T17:24:00.000-07:00

We headed to the Ashboro zoo for a fun family day! You are very into animals these days so we thought you would enjoy it... and as soon as you saw these giraffes

you squealed and pointed- we were right ha!

You wanted to get out to get a better view

photo op with Momma

checking out the GIANT gorilla

pointing at the elephant in the distance

snack break!

the lions

my favorite picture- you loved the turtles

and I think mainly bc you could get eye to eye with them :)

I think you were amazed and definitely enjoyed yourself little boy. We will be making more visits to the zoo from here on!!

Future Vol in the making!

2010-08-13T09:48:00.001-07:00

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

3 weeks countdown to UT football season calls for a BIG ORANGE photo shoot! Lets go Vols :)

First trip to the ZOO!

2010-08-10T12:11:00.000-07:00

While staying with VDiddy and Susu while Mommy was in Nashville, you got to go to the ZOO for the first time! You had so much fun checking out all of the animals!!

You also had your first time in the Scout :)

A Cici, Pipper and Aunt Rachel day!

2010-08-09T12:10:00.000-07:00

While Mommy was gone you had some great time visiting Cici, Pipper and Aunt Rachel. They love spoiling you WAY too much :)

This was the first time you were able to point to Cici and Pipper when we asked where they were. It made their day!!

They took you to Roane County Park to their new splashpad and you, being the water boy you are, HAD A BLAST!!!

Aunt Rach was a good guide :)

All smiles on the swing!

Pointing out the ducks

You loved your snuggle time with Pip

2nd haircut

2010-08-08T12:50:00.000-07:00

We went to Cici's beauty shop today to get your 2nd haircut! Your hair has been growing like a weed and was getting in your eyes again so we are so grateful Cici could take care of it for you!!

I had to bribe you to be still with fruit snacks!

not so sure about this ha!

final product

Thanks Cici!!!

Griffin and Lottie

2010-08-04T11:47:00.000-07:00

You had a dinner date with Lottie, with both sets of parents of course, and had so much fun! Daddy pulled you two on the wagon and you were both all smiles :)

You also had your first bath together. I am pretty sure we will be bringing these pictures out again one day when yall are older ha!

Way behind again!

2010-08-03T12:31:00.000-07:00

Wow son! I am so sorry to keep falling so far behind! This summer has been crazy busy for us and I am currently without a camera battery charger on my small camera so I cant get any of the pics I have taken off :(

Here is a little catch up for now of the last few weeks. In no particular order.....

Mr. Krispy Kreme!

This picture amazes me for 2 reasons: first you never want anything on your head and willing put this hat on and second, you never sit still and smile for me at the camera anymore. Love that you did it this time though!

This is what happens when I say, "Griffin, where is your hair?"

You love throwing that football

You have finally learned how to put your hands out when trying to catch the ball. I love this face :)

We had a brief visit to TN, though a sad occassion. Our Poppy passed away and we went in for his funeral. VDiddy took us out for a bit on his new boat when we had some down time.

And you loved helping him drive it!!!

We just went to Youth Camp in Myrtle Beach. It was a great time and I am so glad we got to be together as a family.

You turned 15 months old while we were there.... boy time is flying!!!

so happy to be playing in the sand!

Doesnt this just make you smile? Your sweet friend from chuch Kayleigh was at the beach too and you too posed for this picture :)

You have yourself 12 teeth now! 4 front top teeth, 4 bottom front teeth and 4 molars

You truly are so much fun right now!!! We are cherishing our time together :)

I do love blogging for you but I will be honest and say that I am trying to do better about managing my time with our family and it really hit me that I was putting WAY too much into this. So although the post may not be as many, I will do my best to keep up with most of the happenings in the life of YOU.

I love you son!

Cici and Mimi

2010-07-24T11:52:00.000-07:00

Mimi and Cici brought Aunt Rachel into town so she could go to youth camp with us. We were so happy to have them here with us for the weekend!

We went shopping at a consignment store and found your Halloween costume! You NEVER like things on your head but loved this so it was a must :)

We walked around the mall and you got to ride a few rides

Your favorite part though was your new shoes! You immediately wanted to put them on and then posed and smiled for this picture :)

walking with Cici

I know my body parts!

2010-07-10T18:01:00.000-07:00

You are the smartest boy in the world! Okay.. I may be a little biased, but seriously you are SO smart! A lot smarter than we give you credit for most of the time :)

Tonight was a perfect example.... I randomly started asking you where your body parts were and you pointed right to them!!! You knew your head, nose, ears, tongue, belly and toes! And the first time. The only one you get confused on is eyes, because you want think I am saying ear ha!

I am so proud of you and cant wait to teach you so many new things!!!

Catching up

2010-07-09T07:38:00.000-07:00

We have been crazy busy lately but enjoying every minute of you so I wanted to take a minute to talk about what you have been up to.

First of all you are teething like CRAZY! Your 4th bottom tooth has now come in, making your total 8 (4 on top and 4 on bottom) AND on top of that 4 of your molars are trying to come in all at the same time!!! Whew its made for some fussiness... but also for great naps too.

Speaking of naps, I wish I could freeze time as far as they go. You are a PRO napper ha! You typically get up at 8am then go back down from 9:30-12:00 and then will have another nap from 2:00 or 3:00 until 5:00! Its A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!! Especially now that Mommy is so tired too from growing a baby inside of her.... it really helps me out that I can nap too :)

You went on your first drive in date with us to watch Toy Story 3. We thought you would just go to sleep on the mattress but we guessed wrong. It was a cartoon on... what were we thinking???

It was Saddle Ridge Ranch VBS at church and it was the perfect theme for you since you love riding horses. You will pretend to ride daddy all the time and even rock back and forth.

You also got to spend a lot of time with your best buddy Heather!

By far your favorite part of VBS was the music and you danced your little bootie off everytime you heard it. You are quite the dancing machine... dancing every time you hear music anywhere and even shake your head and swing your arms now too :)

We headed to the beautiful White Lake campground with the James family for a relaxing vacation to celebrate the 4th of July. You LOVED being in the water. We had to really watch you because you had no fear and would just put your face right in! You are also Mr. Independent too so you of course didnt want us to have to hold your hand.

You adored being at the campground. It meant total freedom for you. You loved being outside all the time and had to carry your shovel with you at all times. There was never a moment you werent dirty, but thats part of being a boy, right?!?

4th of July family shot

I'm so thankful you love to give your mommy kisses :)

You loved the fireworks this time- clapping after every one and sitting still just taking them all in