Happy Birthday, Baby Doug!

My little man turns one today! You know that feeling where it seems like you've had them forever, but at the same time you can't believe they're already one? That what I'm feeling today.

We had a little birthday celebration for him with Grandma Linda, Dave, Holly and Wyatt Friday night. Short and sweet because, in all honesty, D.J. is not the social bug of the family. He's Mommy's boy all around. He got some great new toys (I'm still playing with them), and enjoyed his cake to the max.

Isn't it odd how the first birthday is really about Mommy opening the presents?

He actually did help with the ripping of some paper, though. Almost every one of his new toys made sounds or had buttons. He was in toy heaven.

I got the little discovery dome off of craigslist a couple of months ago and have been saving it for his birthday.

His favorite part about the dome is the balls and the doorbell. Good thing he has room for it in his bedroom!

His first taste of birthday cake... He was timid with it at first, but it wasn't long before he realized what fun it was.

"Hmm, I look deliciously blue."

Yes, that is blue frosting in his hair. My baby blue haired punk.

His belly was so full of frosting that he had to stretch out for a little bit. You know, let the food settle.

He even put frosting on his toes. Literally covered head to toe in frosting.

See? Literally.

Now THAT is a boy who enjoyed his cake!

Happy birthday, Baby Doug. We love you so much and can't wait to see what the Lord has planned for your life! I'm so blessed that He chose me to be your Mom.

Jack is home!

Jack is finally home! Okay, so we've actually had him home now for a little over two weeks. I appear to be a little behind on my blogging.

Jack is now ten weeks old and doing well. Kaitlin couldn't be more pleased. He rides in the car with us to and from school everyday, chases her around the yard all afternoon, and lays in bed with her at prayer time every night.

He's been a good dog. I have to admit that I like him more than I thought I would. So far nothing major has been destroyed, but I'm sure it's just a matter of time. He already goes to his crate on command, and USUALLY comes when called, if he's not being distracted by something way more important. If anyone has any good housebreaking tips, please share! I've never housebroken a puppy before so it's hard for me to judge if what I'm doing is working or not.

I tried to talk Kaitlin out of buying this toy for Jack. I was just sure that he'd have it destroyed within an hours time...

..that girl knows her dog, though! It is by far his favorite toy. He even sleeps with it at night.

He's already grown so much since this picture was taken!

He's not going to be "lap-dog" size for much longer! Maybe Jabba the Huts lap, but not Kaitlins.

D.J. really only likes Jack when Jack is sleepy. It's a lot easier to touch him without getting jumped on that way. Someday, when D.J. can run around, I'm sure they'll be better friends! Jack likes D.J. just fine because he's the most delicious one to lick. He's bound to have a puff or cheerio stuck to him at any given time.

A day at the beach...

I know that I've mentioned (a dozen or so times) that I am not a lover of the beach. Oh, it's pretty to look at and all, but I like to look, not touch. Alas, I live in Florida and, as a result, my children are growing up in Florida. Since it's never a definite that you'll stay in one place for forever, I made a firm resolution this year that my children's experiences would not be limited to my own personal likes, nor would their experiences be hindered by my dislikes.

My friend Mindy has been helping me out by going to the beach with me about once a week. We usually go to a beach at a natural springs here in the area, but last week we decided to head out to Pine Island, a close family friendly beach. The kiddos had such a great time. Kaitlin played in the sane most of the time, and D.J. was unstoppable crawling through the water! I was able to enjoy the water in a whole new way as I watched the kids enjoy themselves.

D.J. love the beach because the water here was a lot warmer than the water at the springs!

I didn't get a picture of it, but I think he tried to put every rock and shell he found in his mouth. Eww. Doesn't he know where those things have been?

I know this is a horrible shot... ...but he wouldn't stay in one place long enough for me to get a good shot of him crawling! Yes, let us blame this on him and not on m picture snapping abilities.

Jamen and Mindy. Jamen is a beach babe, just like his Mom!

Thanks for helping me get the kids out, Mindy. The kids don't realize yet how much they have to thank you for!

It's hard to look at the camera with the sun shinning in your eyes!

The orange headband helps keep water from getting in her ears and causing infections since she has tubes. Isn't it nice to have an option outside of silly putty, Mom?

Giving in to tag...

Okay. I have been tagged twice, so I guess I'll have to get off my lazy ba-dunk-a-dunk and actually give my 7 silly random facts about moi.



1. My favorite food is cheese. EVERYTHING is better with cheese on it. Okay, maybe not chocolate. Chocolate is definitely better cheese free.

2. When I was eight years old I tripped over a railroad tie at the chapel playground and fell and broke my arm. It took my Dad a while to realize that something was actually wrong. He just stood at the back door and kept tell me to hurry up and get inside. I still have a lump where both of my bones healed back together.

3. I am terrified of the ocean. My first visit to the ocean was when I was five years old. I stepped waist deep into the water and was promptly stung by a jellyfish. It got right in between my legs and stung me all up and down both legs. My Dad thought I was freaking out in the water for nothing, so it took a little bit for someone to realize that anything was actually wrong. A portion of that vacation was spent in the hotel room covered in a baking soda paste. Since then I have preferred to only be in water where I can see what is around me. Go figure that I live in Florida.

4. I am suddenly realizing that I must have been the wimpiest kid ever if I was dramatic enough that when I broke my arm AND when I got stung by a jellyfish my parents first instinct was to ignore my crying. I promise you this reflects only on my wimpiness and not on their parenting.

5. I love cold weather. There is something so comforting about snuggling up under a cozy blanket and sipping a cup of hot tea. By the way, doing that here in Florida would probably cause a heat stroke. Oddly enough, I love Florida. (Was that two facts?)

6. I changed my name three times before my parents finally caved and started calling me by the new name. The first time was when I was about nine. I changed my name to Tiffany. My Nana was the only one sweet enough to oblige me. The second time was when I started using "Vash" as my screen name. This stuck with a lot more people; in fact, some people still call me "Vash" (hi, people!). However, still no worko with parento. So, the last time I tried a different approach and changed my last name via marriage. This time it finally worked, and you'll be pleased to know that my parents sometimes send checks to me WITH the new last name on it. Ha! Two points for me, I win.

7. I never pass on chain letters or tags. Good thing I don't believe in luck, huh?