Aunts times 2!

Ford met his Great- Aunt Sandi and Great-Aunt Patti on Sunday, May 25th.  They came to visit him from Shreveport and have been with us this week to take care of Ford (my second to last week of work!!).  It is wonderful to have them in our home, for them to meet and play with Ford, and to have their help!  Ford thinks it is pretty great to have two people with him during the day to give him so much love and attention!  I wonder if Ford will be disappointed when it is just the two of us once  work is over. . .  

 

 

Today Sandi and Patti took Ford on a walk down our street to a real movie set.  The movie is called “Nailed” and has Jessica Biel and Jake Gyllenhaal (apparently a dark comedy?).  They filmed there three days last week and will be here 3 days this week.  Sadly there were no “star” sitings.

 

Retro Ford. . .

Check out Ford wearing clothes that were his Dad’s when he was a baby!! 

 

Ford: smart and wise one

Is what comes to mind when I see this picture.  What about you? 

                                        

Ford was reaching for, and successfully grabbing, my glasses the other day (along with my hair, which actually hurts!) so I decided to quickly put them on him to take this shot.  He might look like this one day as Jeff’s eyes are pretty bad and I also wear contacts/glasses (although my vision isn’t really all that bad yet).  Let’s hope he gets the lesser of the two “evils” and has my vision and not his dad’s.  Also, let’s hope (if needed) he gets glasses that fit his face slightly better.   

A Happy 60th Birthday Weekend!

My wonderful Dad shared his special 60th birthday with us on Thursday, May 22nd!!  He arrived in Columbia earlier in the day and my mom and Ford greeted him before coming back home for some play time.  Both the “Robert boys” were tuckered out and took naps before I got home from work.  My sweet friend Karin came over and babysat for us so that we could take my Dad out to eat to celebrate!  The four of us had a wonderful, delicious dinner at Garabaldi’s, an Italian/Seafood place that doesn’t disappoint.  We all a really nice time together!  I think the last time I was with my Dad on his actual birthday might have been when I was in college, so it was great to be able to celebrate WITH him this year!  After our dinner we came home and opened gifts and cards for awhile.  For part of his gift I wrote down 60 memories and some things I love about him and included them in a mini scrapbook filled with birthday greetings from family and friends, as well as some pictures throughout the years.  It was fun thinking back and remembering so many fun and special times I have had with him, as well as some of his great qualities.  Here are just a few reasons I think my Dad is the greatest!! 

-He loves God 

-He loves his family and has great pride in his family

-He is super intelligent! (Did you know he went to medical school in Mexico?!  AKA- all of his medical schooling was in SPANISH!! And no, prior to going he was not a spanish speaker- but he sure is now!) 

-He has a great sense of humor 

-He uses his gifts and talents in forensic pathology to help so many- including those in other countries 

-He loves Disney World just as much as I do and shares the opinion that you can’t go too often! 

-He is very generous, supportive, and encouraging

-He loves ice cream (especially Blue Bell Birthday Cake!) and is always up for a bowl (just like me!)

I could go on and on, but you get the idea.  My Dad is one great man!  I know those of you who know him agree.  Here are a few pics from his birthday night! (and keep reading for more from our weekend).

                           

The rest of our time together was great as well.  Saturday my Dad took over “Ford nap duty” (we didn’t even have to ask, Grandpa was Johnny on the Spot asking if Ford needed to nap yet or not.  I think he enjoyed his quiet time with his boy, and Ford loved it too).  We all headed to Home Depo and got some plants and flowers for our yard and later in the day had an awesome dinner outside- the weather was in the 70’s and dry- it was wonderful!  Ford helped his dad and grandpa grill and seemed to love it.  So, Ford ate outside for the first time and sat in his high chair.  Well, I guess he didn’t actually “eat,” but joined us while we ate.  Pretty unfair if you think about it.  But, he seemed to love being outside, as always.          

      -   Two “boys” named “Robert” with their blue eyes, dimples, and I think they might have the same hair-do too!!  Can you tell they get along great?!!  Ford is lucky to have two awesome grandpas and a wonderful grandma too!  He is very blessed!

         The three guys grilling on Saturday                   

Where, oh where, is my newborn?

I don’t know when it happened, but it did.  My newborn has disappeared and in his place is this vibrant, spunky, and fun baby, who is continually learning new things and growing (and who I absolutely adore!!).  And growing.  And growing.  Yesterday afternoon while he was sleeping in my arms (yes, he is still napping in our arms until I am done with work and can do nap time sleep training with  him) I couldn’t help  but just stare down at our precious little- I mean LONG- one.  I was sitting in the glider in his room like we have done every time I have fed him and where we have peacefully sat while he sleeps for a nap or two.  I looked down and realized he was so incredibly long!  Now this wasn’t a complete surprise to me, but it really hit me then.  His legs were bent so they had room “to be” and his head was almost touching the other arm rest.  So many “scenes” were flashing through my mind from the first time I saw him on the doctor’s office screen- just a “bean” and not resembling a baby quite yet, to the first night in the hospital when Jeff was asleep and I had fed Ford, but he was still crying so I put my finger in his mouth and it was pure yumminess to him, and he sucked, and sucked, for 20 minutes before passing out on me, content as could be.  He was completely and 100% reliant on us at that point.  Then it flashes to him moving out of the bath tub “sling” to the “big boy” part where he sits,  to his bath the night before where I notice that his legs/feet are completely touching the “end” of his bath tub, making it harder and harder for him to kick his legs.  All of these thoughts/memories and I find myself crying.  I am so thankful for Ford and the incredible being that God has created and entrusted us with to raise on this earth.  I find myself wondering how anyone can deny the existence of our Heavenly Creator and Father, and now the song by George Strait “I Saw God Today” is playing in my mind.  (By the way, if you haven’t heard this song, it is wonderful! and one of my new favorites!).  I find myself praying, but mostly praising God, as I hold on tight to my Ford Bean.  And I listen to his gentle breathing and watch his hand as it holds my shirt tight as he sleeps (which was much more comfortable than when he was grabbing onto my hair at the beginning of his nap) and I wonder how I am worthy of such a responsibility and the job of being ”Mom.”  As a friend recently wrote in her blog- I too realize, I am NOT worthy, it is purely and simply God’s Grace that he has blessed me with this role and job, and I am humble with the responsibility. 

These thoughts continued this morning as I left Ford, asleep in Jeff’s arms, on my way to work, thinking how fast these precious times are going.  Then I hear that Steven Curtis Chapman (an amazing Christian singer whose songs play often on my favorite Christian station here in town) has lost his youngest daughter to a horrible accident and my heart breaks for him.  One of his sons was pulling into the driveway and somehow the little one was hit and didn’t make it.  I recently heard an interview with Chapman and he was explaing how his recent song “Cinderella” came to be.  He was in charge of putting the little girls to bed and was frustrated because rather than getting in the bath and getting ready for bed, they were dressing in their princess outfits, asking him to be the prince and dance with him.  After getting them to bed he was off to write (which was why he was frustrated they were taking so long).  He said all of a sudden he was convicted by God, realizing that those times were fleeting and he needed to stop and enjoy them because soon they would be gone and he would have missed them.  So, he wrote the entire song in one sitting and called it “Cinderella.”   I included the lyrics below.  When he wrote this he was of course thinking in the future to when his girls will marry; however, I am sure it has has now taken on an entirely new meaning.  This song is a reminder to enjoy each day and moment with the ones we love and make them count.  I pray I can do this – on the stressful days, on the busy days, on the sunny or rainy days, on the days that are picture perfect. . . no matter the day, I pray I can enjoy God’s gifts in my life and realize that they are just that. . .gifts.  I don’t deserve anything, but yet I am blessed with much.  Gifts are not always permanent and I need to slow down, take them in, enjoy them, and be thankful.  I pray you can do the same.          

“Cinderella” by Steven Curtis Chapman

She spins and she sways
To whatever song plays
Without a care in the world
And I’m sitting here wearing
The weight of the world on my shoulders

It’s been a long day
And there’s still work to do
She’s pulling at me
Saying “Dad, I need you

There’s a ball at the castle
And I’ve been invited
And I need to practice my dancing
Oh, please, Daddy, please?”

So I will dance with Cinderella
While she is here in my arms
Cause I know something the prince never knew
Oh, I will dance with Cinderella
I don’t want to miss even one song
Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight
And she’ll be gone…

She says he’s a nice guy and I’d be impressed
She wants to know if I approve of the dress
She says, “Dad, the prom is just one week away
And I need to practice my dancing
Oh, please, Daddy, please?”

So I will dance with Cinderella
While she is here in my arms
Cause I know something the prince never knew
Oh, I will dance with Cinderella
I don’t want to miss even one song
Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight
And she’ll be gone

She will be gone

Well, she came home today with a ring on her hand
Just glowing and telling us all they had planned
She says, “Dad, the wedding’s still six months away
But I need to practice my dancing
Oh, please, Daddy, please?”

So I will dance with Cinderella
While she is here in my arms
Cause I know something the prince never knew
Oh, I will dance with Cinderella
I don’t want to miss even one song
Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight
And she’ll be gone

Another Discovery, Reading, Fun with Grandma, and a Night Away. . .

About a week ago Ford discovered his thumb!  Up until then he had never had only his thumb in his mouth.  It is a cute site to see him try and suck on it, and even cuter when he gives up and goes back to his favorite -his index and middle finger- and sometimes the ring finger too.  I think those fingers must be tastier.      

Ford is really getting strong.  When we put him in his bumbo chair he no longer slumps to one side and is content to sit in it (with toys or being entertained by one of us) for much longer.  On Friday I put a few toys on the play tray and he thought it was a fun game to knock his giraffe off.  I put it back on the tray and bam, off it would fly again.  This went on a few times until he got bored of that game and was on to something else.  He then decided to read his Elmo book.  Actually, he decided reading “tastes” quite nice and got into it for quite some time.  It is amazing how fast he is growing up!            

                                                                   
                                                            

                                                              

Ford has been having a blast with his Grandma.  They go on an “outing” once a day.  It might be on a walk in the neighborhood, to the book store, or to the grocery store.  Everywhere they go my mom reports the same.  Ford loves seeing everyone and ”talking” to those that stop and talk to him.  He is now so much easier to take out on an errand (as long as you time it right).  Ford thinks his Grandma is pretty funny and loves to laugh and smile at her.  Last week they had fun listening to different music and singing together. 

Jeff and I had our first over night trip away from Ford on Saturday.  We went to the Isle of Palm and stayed at a beach house with two other couples Jeff works with and their 5 kiddos.  I had mixed emotions leading up to the weekend.  I was excited to go to the beach and have some time with Jeff and friends, but nervous as to what sort of day and night little Ford would give my mom (we were hoping it would go smoothly so she just might come back and do it again for us).  Jeff and I left Saturday morning and were all settled in the house and on the beach by 11.  The weather was great, the sun was out and there was a breeze- at times making it slightly ”chilly.”  We spent time together on a walk, then time with everyone, and then the girls got to take a walk together as well.  Later in the afternoon the 6 adults got dressed and went to meet some donors on their ”boat”- yea, not so much a boat as it was a yaht at a beautiful yaht club.  Three bedrooms, two full baths, and a beautiful living and kitchen area.  Not too shabby.  We met up with 5 other donors for a really nice dinner in Charleston after that.  We had a great time with everyone and a fun night.  Unfortunately, it was quite a late night and an earlier morning so didn’t get the sleep I was hoping we would, but I guess in time that will come. 

After hanging out in the house with everyone for awhile Sunday morning, then taking one more short walk with Jeff and packing up, we headed back home.  Driving back home seemed to take so much longer than going down there (it wasn’t).  I was ready to see our Ford bean and spend some time with him.  My mom reported that he had a great night overall and only got her up once to eat in the middle of the night.  Yea Ford!  However, she did have an early morning (at 5:45 he was up talking to himself and squealing in the crib and by 6:15 had had enough and was ready for her to get him out).  The last 3 mornings he has decided that 5:45 is a great time to get up for the day- we however, do not agree.  This morning he was up at 5:35 but put himself back to sleep after 10 minutes of talking and was back up at 6:40.   Am hoping he gets out of this phase sooner than later and goes back to his 7am time.  I can always hope.     Overall, it was really nice to “get away” and we are very thankful my mom was up for having a slumber party with just her and Ford. 

Jeff and I had a great time seeing our little guy and before we knew it it was time for him to go to bed.  We were also able to get a few things done around the house which was nice too.  It was definitely hard to go back to work today, but only 3 more weeks left! 

A Wonderful Mother’s Day

It was hard for me to realize that this year’s Mother’s Day was not only for my mom, but for me too.  For as long as I can remember I wanted to be a mom one day.  As I grew older I started praying that God would make me a wife and then a mother-  I guess you could say those were the two main desires of my heart.  God has been faithful and has blessed me with two incredible “boys.”  I feel very blessed to have Jeff as my husband, who continually loves me, encourages me,  and supports me, even when I am sleep deprived and not the wife I should be (which I hate to admit even happens, but it does).  I also feel very blessed to have Ford as my son.  He has such a vibrant, fun and sweet personality that draws people in (me especially).  He always makes me smile and I just love being around him.  

We have been lucky enough to have my mom here both last year (with my dad) and this year to celebrate HER too on Mother’s Day.  It was extra sweet to have her here this year since it was also my first Mother’s Day.  I feel like I have learned from the best and am thankful she is my mom and my friend.  She continually makes sacrifices for me and currently is putting her life ”on hold” in Colorado to watch Ford until I am done with school.  An incredible example of a Mother’s love isn’t it (and a Grandma’s love too)?! 

Sunday morning it rained hard- from about 5:00 till 9:30 or so.  I love the sound of rain when you are in our house so it was a great way to start the day.  Jeff got Ford up and let me rest in bed some more and I was able to just close my eyes and listen to the rain.  He then made a bagel run for us- yummy!  We took the morning easy and opened cards and gifts.  Ford was sweet enough to write a nice letter to me and a top ten list of why he loves me (he truly is such a talented and creative little guy).    In his letter he told me that the two of us are going to go to music classes at the University this fall!!  I am so excited and can’t wait!  Jeff was also very thoughtful and on Saturday had bought new ferns and a couple geraniums and put them out as a surprise for me.  The weather cleared up and turned out to be a beautiful day.  Jeff and I decided to take Ford to the zoo to get out.  He stayed awake this time, but I am not sure he actually saw any animals.  It didn’t matter though, he was happy as could be in his stroller taking it all in.  He looks like quite the chillin’ man a lot of the time becuase he rests his feet on the side of the tray (his legs aren’t quite long enough for his feet to be ON the tray yet- maybe that is a good thing).  Rather than go out to eat we decided to grill steaks and have a nice dinner at home.  Jeff did an awesome job with our meat and my mom made great sides and our dinner was wonderful!  It was an incredible first Mother’s Day!  I am so very thankful to be part of the role called “Mother.”

                

 

 

Bath time with Dad

The other night after dinner Jeff took Ford upstairs to give him his bath.  I went up with him and got the water ready while Jeff got him undressed and ready to go.  Once the water was ready I went in our room to do something and soon I heard Jeff say “Oh no!”  I immediately asked “Did he poop in the water?”- (so far we have escaped this issue but I am sure it is going to happen sooner or later).  I went in to see what was going on and found Jeff laughing as he said “I forgot to take his socks off” – Ford was already fully in the tub.   

                                               

Neighbors

As Ford mentioned in his earlier post we had dinner Sunday night with our friends across the street who have a 2 month old baby girl named Alex.  Unfortunately, between the two of them sleeping off and on, they weren’t awake and together much.  However, for the little time they were BOTH awake it was cute to see them check eachother out.  Misha and I hope to have some play dates this summer.  We also talked about getting together with another mom that Misha recently met that lives at the end of our street that also has a 4 month old boy (how great is that?!).  I had not had a chance to meet her yet, until yesterday.  Ford was sleepy, but not falling asleep (shocker I know) for one last nap, so I decided to take him on a walk.  On our way home I saw the neighbor and her baby sitting on their porch while her 3 year old was playing in the yard so I stopped by and introduced myself and Ford.  There is one more house that we know of that has a baby boy on our street but none of us have met them yet.  Hopefully we can add them to our group as well.  It has been a nice feeling seeing more kids on our street and meeting new people, even if just to wave as we walk by.  It will be nice this summer to hopefully get to know these moms even more and to have “friends” for Ford to “play” with.   

Ford is now in his “big boy” stroller-  no more sitting in his infant car seat and then placing that on top of the stroller.  We moved him to just the stroller over a week ago and he LOVES it!  I think being able to face forward and really see everything helps him love it even more.  He looks pretty darn cute sitting in it too I must say.  Speaking of cute. . . check out these pictures I took on Sunday May 4th. 

 

                

                

                    

                       

                           

Greetings Ford Fans

Sorry its been a while.  My agent (I call him Dad) told me that I could not resume my fan club messages until I got back in my crib at night.  I must say, it was pretty cool to hang with mom and dad in the big bed.  Kids, if you get the shot, go for it.  Once you’re in there, the parentals can’t get you out.  That is one thing the doctors forgot to mention and I took advantage of that slight oversight.

Well, since I was almost four months old, I decided it was time for me to grow up and get back to my own bed…not as fun, but will do for now.  For a four month old, I have done lots of cool things…trip to Colorado with mom, a baseball game with just me and dad, dinner dates with younger women (her name is Alex and she lives next door) and next month I am going to my first wedding.

I have had the coolest babysitters since mom went back to work.  Its been like a revolving door of people oohing and awhing over me…pretty fun!  Auntie Sheryl just left this weekend and Grandma Sue is in town for a couple of weeks…I’ve got her right where I want her.

I have gotten loads of fan mail since I wrote last and lots of requests for new videos.  I have added a few recent ones and even dug into the FordArchives for some oldies, but goodies.

Enjoy–Ford

 

http://www.youtube.com/v/poCMfIObsPYsrc

http://www.youtube.com/v/jyLTJtReSno

http://www.youtube.com/v/a0xvW6WZSCo

http://www.youtube.com/v/rgEtZaEzzMI

http://www.youtube.com/v/C7NxgNev6Ks

http://www.youtube.com/v/gko-E6zU6b4

http://www.youtube.com/v/OGAMhIMpd5c

4 Months Old! Happy Birthday Ford!

Today is Ford’s four month birthday!  We started our day by going to the doctor- not a great birthday present for him, but oh well.  He is now 26 inches long, putting him in the 94% for length.  His weight was 14 lbs 4 oz, basically the same as last week’s appointment and puts him in the 48% for weight.  She said everything looks great and that it doesn’t surprise her that he still is not falling asleep great in his crib for naps since day time naps aren’t always “organized” until around 6 months.  She suggested we hold off on rice cereal and any food until we come in for his 6 month appointment due to his reflux issues. He had to get a bunch of shots which he wasn’t a fan of, but recovered quickly from.  Such a champ.  He had some trouble with the oral vaccine.  Didn’t surprise me since he is such a pickle when it comes to taking his reflux meds.  He closes his mouth tight and turns his head so it is very hard to get anything in his mouth and once it is in there, he tries to push it out.  Such fun.

My mom made it in last night and of course it is great to have her here.  Unfortunately my aunt has to leave Saturday morning.  We have all loved having her here and it will be hard to see her go.  She has been such a help and just so much fun to be able to spend so much time with her.  I took today off for the appointment and to be home with them for the one day they have overlapping.  At the moment Auntie Sheryl is making a pie- yum, and my mom is upstairs with Ford, who I assume is sleeping in her arms after all his shots. 

Here are a few things I am loving about Ford-

1.  He loves putting his fingers in his mouth and now is reaching for his toys to put them in his mouth too.

2.  I love watching him roll from his back to his side and back down again, sometimes holding onto his knees while he does it

3.  When he is sleepy or asleep and I put up over my shoulder to try and burp him, I love that he just snuggles there and lets me gently rest my cheek on his head (side note, you notice I wrote he is either sleepy or asleep- otherwise he is trying to “sit up” and look around and is not a fan of this)

4.  I love his smile and laugh.  I love that if I “swish” my hair over his face he cracks up- consistently- no matter how tired or fussy he might have just been

5.  I love how social he is and how much he loves other people

There are so many wonderful things about our little guy.  He is such a blessing and one we are so very thankful for! 

I posted some new pics.