Lukas 6 months old

Lukas turned 6 months old on the 23rd and it seemed to sneak up on me. I had been telling everyone that at 6 months old I was going to be done breast feeding Lukas. Well it seems he caught wind of my evil plan and decided he was not going to take a bottle. So, for the foreseeable future I will continue to be a milk factory.

UP side: Breastfeeding is convenient and cheap

DOWN side: I really want my body back. If you count pregnancy my body has not been my own for 15 months. Wow I hate that I even counted.....I just got a little more depressed :)

Lukas is rolling all over the place and chewing on anything that comes within his reach. My favorite thing he does now is shake his head back and forth. (As if he is saying no, no, no). He giggles and smiles at everybody, but there is a catch: I have to be within eyesight. I am afraid he's a momma's boy. On the past 3 Sunday's that I have been to church he has only made it in the nursery about 20 minutes before I have been summoned for a screaming child. I also tried to take him to a Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) outing and he didn't do any better there.

So he won't take a bottle and he doesn't like me to leave his sight that equals .......little to no alone time for mommie. Oh well, guess this is what I get for saying that Lukas will be a momma's boy since Bryant is such a daddy's boy.

Bryant is doing really well at preschool. In fact he stood in the doorway on Monday and held Miss Angela's hand instead of coming to me. He was having too much fun dancing and sing "Romp Ump a Chomp". ( A song from Dorthy the Dinosaur on the Wiggles show). He is learning his manners really well. I love to hear him say "Tanks Mommie" for even the smallest of task ....like helping him put on his shoes. He is also pottie training which is such an adventure. In the last 4 days I have probably only had to change 1 poo poo diaper. He hasn't quite figured out how to decided when he needs to pee pee. But, I won't complain. I'd rather change one of his peepee diapers than a poo poo anyday. I am sure the pee pee thing will come and I've decided that I will not stress about it. He is doing fine figuring things out on his own.

For all you Wonderful Moms

My good friend Merissa sent me this story and I liked it so much I decided to publish it on my blog...why? Because I couldn't have said it better myself.

I'm Invisible.

It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response, the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I'm on the phone and ask to be taken to the store. Inside I'm thinking, "Can't you see I'm on the phone?"
Obviously not. No one can see if I'm on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner,
because no one can see me at all.
I'm invisible.
Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more: Can you fix this?
Can you tie this? Can you open this?
Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a human being. I'm a clock to ask, "What time is it?" I'm a satellite guide to answer, "What number is the Disney Channel?" I'm a car to order, "Right around 5:30, please."
I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history and the mind that graduated summa cum laude but now they had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again. She's going, she's going, she's gone!
One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England. Janice had just gotten back from a fabulous trip, and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in.
I was sitting there, looking around at the others all put together so well. It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself as I looked down at my out-of-style dress; it was the only thing I could find that was clean. My unwashed hair was pulled up in a hair clip and I was afraid I could actually smell peanut butter in it. I was feeling pretty pathetic, when Janice turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, "I brought you this." It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe. I wasn't exactly sure why she'd given it to me until I read her
inscription:

"To Charlotte, with admiration for the greatness

of what you are building when no one sees."

In the days ahead I would read - no, devour - the book. And I would discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after which I could pattern my work: No one can say who built the great Cathedrals - we have no record of their names. These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never see finished. They made great sacrifices and expected no credit. The passion of their building was fueled by their faith that the eyes of God saw everything. A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, "Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof? No one will ever see it." And the workman replied, Because God sees."

I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place. It was almost as if I heard God whispering to me, "I see you, Charlotte. I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does. No act of kindness you've done, no sequin you've sewn on, no cupcake you've baked, is too small for me to notice and smile over. You are building a great cathedral, but you can't see right now what it will become." At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction. But it is not a disease that is erasing my life. It is the cure for the disease ofmy own self-centeredness. It is the antidote to my strong, stubborn pride. I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great builder. As one of the people who show up at a job that they will never seefinished, to work on something that their name will never be on. Thewriter of the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetime because there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree. When I really think about it, I don't want my son to tell the friend he's bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, "My mom gets up at 4 in the morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes a turkey for three hours and presses all the linens for the table." That would mean I'd built a shrine or a monument to myself. I just want him to want to come home. And then, if there is anything more to say to his friend, to add, "You're gonna love it there."

As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we're doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but also at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible women.

Great Job, MOM

Nerves of Steal

The past two days have been really rough for me. ( I'll get into why in a minute). But yesterday I was cooking some pork chops on the grill and Bryant sang me a song for the first time. It brought me to tears.

"Amazing grace how sweet the sound

that saved a wretch like me.

I once was crying but now I'm found

Was blind but now I see"

Yea I know he changed the word lost to crying, but I couldn't believe my ears. I had the back door opened and he laid right in the door way on his side and sang it as I watched from behind. I tried really hard to not let him know I was listening afraid that he would stop. But I cried as he sang such sweet words. At night, without fail, Bryant wants two songs sang to him: Jesus loves me and Amazing Grace.....he says "sing amazing" and "sing Jesus". I have not heard him sing

Jesus loves me, but I can't wait to hear his rendition of how much Jesus loves him.

Ok, now on to the reason its been a hard week. Two weeks ago on Thursday I had to take Lukas to the Dr. and he was diagnosed with a double ear infection. Dr. Blake started him on Amoxicillin. On about day 7 of antibiotics Lukas began waking up at night screaming in pain. I tried Tylenol and Motrin thinking it my be his teeth, nither of which worked. After two nights of this I called the Dr. and he decided to call in a different (stronger) antibiotic. I was told that if he is not better in 24 to 48 hours to bring him in. After 48 hours and still no improvement I took him in to find that his little ears were still infected. (Poor baby) So on that day I spent 2 hours in the Dr.'s office with a sick 5 month old and a wiggley 2 year old. Talk about torture. I would rather spend 2 hours with a grizzly bear than at the Dr.'s office where I cringe everytime Bryant touches anything and parents allow their sick kids to come over to Lukas' carrier and peak in. I was ready to take a strong sedative by the time I left that place. Anyway, Lukas had to get a shot of antibiotics and a shot of steroids. Then to top it all off I had to go back the next day and do it again. Luckily I didn't have to go back today (Wednesday), but don't worry, as if I had not been to the Dr.'s office enough, I have to go back to on Thursday so that they can check him again.

I wish someone would write a book about developing "Nerves of Steal". Who needs "Buns of Steal"?

The First of Many First

Timid shoulders holding their shiny new backpack,

Quivering bottom lip makes you want to bring them back

Courageous little boy or brave little miss

You feel your heartstrings pull as you give them a big kiss

And as the teacher guides them they look to you

with tearful eyes

Reminding you it's the first of many firsts

and bittersweet goodbyes

-Laura Taylor Mark

Bryant's first day was a good day...in lots of ways. He was a little afraid and and didn't want to let me go.....nor did I really want to let him go... but I did. He didn't cry...but I did. I did wait until I was walking out to the car though. After I got over this initial sadness of it all I drove directly to the grocery store and bought groceries, just like I said I would do. It was great to have a buggy for LOTS of groceries and and not for 2 kids and a LITTLE groceries. Then I went home and let Lukas nap and then he and I had some alone time, which we never get. I think he liked it as much as I did.

Wednesday and Friday I did not cry. Bryant was still a little apprehensive, but went to Mrs. Angela (the teachers aid) very easily. Both days when I went to pick him up he loved it so much he wanted to stay. His exact words were "Play Momma, Play". Which means he wants to stay and play. I forgot to mention that on Monday when I picked him up I told him we were going to Chic-fil-a to celebrate his first day of school and with great enthusiasm he said, "Celebbbbate...Let's do it". IT WAS A GOOD DAY!!!!

Cross-Centered Life

I have finished the book I have been reading. It was one of the better books I've read.
It is called The Cross Centered Life.
It was not that there was some new revelation that it brought me to. It was just that it reminded me about the cross. I guess that sometimes...well a lot of the time we forget about it. We tend to focus more on other things...like LIFE....which seems to overwhelm most of us 80% of the time. I know what happened on the cross....it was suppose to be my cross. I know why he did it....but I can't believe he did it for me. Sometimes I get so caught up in life and even caught up in good things like reading the Bible, learning about God, but I forget the cross. The truth is that everything about who I am goes back to the cross and what became of my savior there. He saved my soul from eternal death all becaused he loves me better than I could ever deserve to loved. He spent 3 hours in hell so that I wouldn't have to spend eternity there. So what does the cross mean for me now you ask?.......Well, because I know the end of the story for me is heaven, nothing, no NOTHING will ever overcome me.... no sorrow, no want, no need, no disease, no dissappointment, no loss, and no hardship. My body may suffer from these things, but if my body gives way to any of these things my soul is placed in the hands that bare scars that should have been mine. It is hard to see Christ on the cross.... but that cross, how beautiful.....how amazing .......that I can hold tight in the hard times, I can hold tight when life seems right, I can be joyful till my last breath. TODAY and EVERYDAY it is my JOY to serve my God who became my sacrifice so that I could know THE REST OF MY STORY.

Little Pirates and Little Laughs

Boys, boys, boys!
I'm surrounded by them and yes....I am blessed to have them. These smiles are the greatest thing I get to see during the day. Bryant brought me the dew rag and asked me to put it on his head. Basically because he saw it on my head while I was painting my Mom's kitchen. After I put it on he said, "Cool Dude....Cheese later". A quote from Higgly Town Heros. He makes me laugh so much. Today he corrected an adult who didn't say "No Mam". They simply said, "no". Which is funny considering that I always have to MAKE him say it. He never volunteers it. I just laughed and apologized to the unsuspecting adult who quickly corrected herself when Bryant offered his advice.
Bryant starts Pre-school on Monday and yes, I am going to cry. On several occasions I have already cried about it. I am so excited for him to be able to play and learn, but sad that I will miss seeing the moments when he makes a new friend, cries when he gets hurt, or just miss watching him PLAY! It is one of my favorite things to do. Of course I will get over it once I realize that I get to go to the grocery store with only one child in tow. I will actually have somewhere to put the groceries now. HA HA!

Lukas is so sweet. He gives us the sweetest smile and laugh just for looking at him when he calls for us. His calling sounds more like a pig grunting than actual words, but it gets the job done.
He has taken a special interest in Bryants' stuffed giraffe. Lukas loves for us to tickle him with it. He also seems to like Chris' rough face to tickle his little cheeks.

I will let you know how Bryant's first day goes....and how I did as well.

Taking Time to Smell the Flowers

I know I said I'd post pictures from the party but I didn't get any really good ones. I was too busy trying to hostess. So I decided to post these instead.

In the mornings Chris opens the back door to our house and leaves it open to let in some fresh air. When Bryant wakes up he likes to go out the back door onto our porch and enjoy the cool moring air. Sometimes he even picks me flowers....too bad they're my potted plants. But I don't mind since he say so sweetly with a big grin on his face, "Momma...Flowder". Which means: Momma I picked you a flower. He also hugs my neck and says, "Momma's buddies". Which means: Bryant and Lukas are Momma's buddies.

When we are riding down the road I am amazed at all the things he notices. For instance if there is a balloon anywhere in sight he will see it and yell, "BAOONS" to make sure that you notice them too. I guess it kind of goes along with the smelling the flowers thing. I wonder what it must have been like to smell a flower or to play with a balloon for the first time. Bryant never misses the opportunity to smell a flower or just to notice what I take for granted everyday. I am so glad that I have the opportunity to do it all again for the first time with Bryant and that he reminds me that "flowders" and "baoons" are worth noticing.

The other picture is of one of those sweet moments you wish you could save forever and no picture seems to capture it quite right. But, I love to see all three of my boys together.

Bryant's Two

I took the boys to get their pictures made and I wanted you all to be able to see them. It was quite the experience. There is no way to get a 3 month old and a 2 year old to look at the camera at the same time. Please feel free to go to the website and view the picutres. www.amywojcikphoto.photoreflect.com Click on "Tiffany and Boys" and then the password is "boys". If you have a problem let me know.

I will post pictures from the party soon.

WHO IS WHO?

Except for the date on Lukas' picture it is hard to tell them apart. Lukas is also a little bigger than Bryant at 12 weeks. When Bryant was 12 weeks old I started back to work and this was His first day to day care. I was so emotional that day. Lukas turned 12 weeks old and I put him in the exact same outfit and in the carseat just like Bryant and snapped this shot. I stopped for a minute and just thought about what a different place I'm in this time around. I am home with both boys everyday and not going back to work on a regular basis anytime soon. I am happy that Lukas will not be as sick as Bryant was from the time he was 3 months old until he was 9 months old. It is a blessing to be a stay-at-home mommy.

I will take them next week to get Lukas' 3 month pictures and Bryant's 2 yr pictures. I love looking back over the pictures I had made of Bryant it reminds me of the changes I saw in Bryant and in myself. Each picture brings back thoughts of what God was working out in my life during time and where he was leading me. TENDER THOUGHTS are what they are......and so the name of my blog.

Just Me and The Boys

Chris left this morning for a 5 day vacation in Mexico. Notice I said "Chris". Yes, I am here at home with the boys. Chris' sister is getting married this weekend in Cancun and of course I was invited, but felt uneasy about taking these two little ones. Call me crazy.....because I KNOW some of you are (Kathy J. Ha Ha!!!) I will admit I would love to have gone.....without the kids :).

But, I am still breastfeeding Lukas and I, frankly, was not ready to leave him. I'm a little attached to him right now. :)

I've been thinking lately of all the things that mothers do and how they do it. So, I have come up with my own list of 10 ways you "Know your a Crazy Mom" in true Jeff Foxworthy style.

YOU KNOW YOUR A CRAZY MOM IF:

1. you can drive a stick shift car, talk on the phone, and feed the baby strapped in the back seat a bottle all at one time.

2. you can hold your 1 month old, cook dinner, and talk on the phone at the same time.

3. your self description includes: taxi cab driver, administrative assistant, chef, nurse, story teller, and teacher.

4. (this one is for those of you who breastfed) even after your child is well into his toddler years, at the sound of a baby crying you swear that you feel your milk come in.

5. when you hear a child yell mom, even if its not yours you turn around.

6. (this one is for Angie) even if you swore you'd never be the "minivan mom", your starting to think it might be nice to have one. ( HA HA)

7. you wish your two year old had a volume button and a pause button.

8. you can't remember the last time you slept through the night.

9. your no longer appalled by talk about poo-poo and pee-pee, in fact it is a regular topic of conversation.

AND the last way you know your a crazy mom is:

10. you swear that you had a shower today, but can't remember for sure.

I could spend all day writing these silly things. I would love to hear from you if you have one I could add to my list.

Just a quick picture to let you know I am still alive and well. We are adjusting to our new lives quickly and are so thankful for little Lukas. He is a happy baby. He smiles all the time and loves to hear his brother's voice. He sleeps great at night.....we even had one all nighter this week.
I am finding my way in this crazy parenting roll. Bryant is challenging me, but still an absolute joy to have around. He makes me laugh everyday by the words he trys to say and the little moves he tries to do. Chris is a wonderful Daddy. He has been gracious to me as a crazy Mother and loves me better than I deserve. He has had his share of evenings with both boys all by himself and has managed to do things quite well. That is a plus for me....so Mommy can have some time to herself. Another thing I've realized is that I am the only girl in this bunch.....ok by me though......hopefully Bryant and Lukas will LOVE their MOMMA!

Today Lukas is 1 month old. It is hard for me to believe that 1 month as already flown by. And look at Bryant....in just 2 short months he'll be two. He has been a little angel for me. He is always making me laugh. I can turn on the music and let him dance a jig for me and it always makes me laugh when I need it most. Lukas is changing every day. The response that I got from the last email was that most people thought he looked like Chris and Bryant. Yet again, I loose out:). I do think that Bryant is beginning to have some features that look like me, but his coloring is so much like Chris that it is hard to see me in there anywhere.

Funny Things Bryant is saying:

1. Ukas for Lukas

2. eeping for sleeping

3. elp for help

4. Bydant for Bryant

5. Go Cocks

6. Anything that he hears us saying he will try to repeat.

7. Mommy, Daddy kiss kiss (meaning he wants us to kiss)

8. gen for again

9. Bryant calls his passy "baby"

What Bryant does for Ukas

1. covers him with his blanket...over his face as well

2. Gives him his passy when he is crying

3. Yells "Ukas, Ukas OK" when Lukas is crying

4. Every morning kisses Lukas good morning

5. Every night kisses Lukas good night

6. Trys to share his toys with him (Bryant is an excellet sharer!)

7. Trys to share his snack with him

BABY LUKAS IS HERE

I know you all think I've fallen off the face of the earth. Truth is, I feel like I have at least for this season of my life. Since my last posting, I 've gotten pregnant, and had a little baby boy named Lukas Merritt Burns. He was born March 23rd, 2007.

Weighing in at 6 lbs and 13 oz. He doesn't look too much like anybody at this point. He is dark skinned and has light brown hair.

I am adjusting to life in the Burns' house with two babies. It is hard and I expected it to me, but I was hoping that maybe I was wrong.

HA HA!
Bryant is a great big brother. For a while he seemed angry at me, and probably was, but now he loves to be close to Lukas and be my helper. He's grown up so much in 3 weeks. Or maybe it is just that compared to Lukas he just seems so big.

Chris and I are so happy to have two boys in our house. Chris informed me that I better get excited about hunting, fishing, camping, and all the boy things they will want to do. My heart smiled because I already am excited about all those things, and Chris knows it. :)

I hope to hear from all of you soon and appreciate your prayers as the Lord is teaching me about growing up men.

Pawley's Island Hosts the Burns Family

We spent 6 nights at Pawley's Island with Chris' family. It was great to hang out with them and enjoy the beach and sun.
Bryant loved the water and the sand. Except for 1 day with a raw bottom he had no problems. He did the typical things like eat sand and giggle at the waves. He loved to just have a bucket of water and a shovel. He would stir the water with some sand and then pour it out.
One of the funniest things he did was when we started to watch the movie "Daddy Day Care". At the beginning of the movie a song plays that apparently Bryant loves. He would stand next to the TV and do a little jig. In fact we played the song several more times just so that we could laugh and see him get his groove on. It was one of Kodak moments I'll not soon forget.
We spent most of our time relaxing and going back and forth to the beach. We went out to eat one night with Chris' family and then we had a date night on Thursday. We went out to eat and then to watch Superman Returns. It was a great date night. Of course, at this point, any time alone is a great time.
Here are some other photos of the week:

How's the sand taste, Bryant?








Future Kayaker!!

Bryant's First Birthday

I can't believe that a year has passed. On June 28th, 2006 my baby boy turn a year old. As you can see, he had a great time getting into the birthday cake. We had a cook out with a few family and friends on Saturday, July 1st, 2006 to celebrate the big day.
Ok, so I've made it through the first year and how do I feel.....?

I've learn a ton in such a small amount of time about: diapers, baby food, sleep patterns, formula, shoe fittings, baby toys, how to do things one-handed, my physical limits and God's abundant provision, how to clean house without making a noise so not wake up Bryant, and the list could go on and on. Its funny how after one child you feel like you've experienced every mothers joy and pain. It's like you all of sudden have thousands of new friends who know EXACTLY what your feeling. I am so thankful for every single moment I've spent with Bryant.....he's afectionally known as: my little rascal, sweet kisser, paci lover, blanket snuggler, curly headed, blue-eyed, root-beer belly, blueberry lover. All these days have been the best days of my life and I know that they will only get better. HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRYANT!!



Ian Spencer, Bryant, and Karis enjoy the baby pool at the party











This is Whitten Burns, Bryant's 12 week old cousin. He looks just like his mommy. I know that he and Bryant will be big buddies!!

Lindsey and Karis teach Bryant how to drink from a cup.








This Cameron and Gabi Duncan. Bryant and Cam are only 2 months apart. Cameron is definatley bigger than Bryant...but Bryant's got more hair...HA HA!!

Thanks everyone for making the party so great! I also appreciate those sent presents to Bryant even though they could not be here. We love you all and appreciate your thoughtfulness.

HAPPY FATHERS DAY CHRIS

Aside from the joy of being your wife; being the mother of your child is one of the greatest joys in my life.
I couldn't ask for you to be a better father. I love the way that Bryant lights up when you walk into a room. I love the way he screams when you wrestle with him and the way he says his favorite word: "DA DA"
I will never take for granted you help with dinner time, bath time, mommies rest time, and early morning feedings. I am thankful for all that you do and the gentle, loving way that you do it. Bryant is going to grow to be a great man of God because of the man that he will see in you. I love you with all my heart.

Mommy Melt Down

OK, so I've been a slacker about updating this blog. But don't worry, I'm back and ready spill my guts. Over the past 2-3 weeks lots has happened. In my last update I told you about the Ear Nose and Throat doctors visit, but I have not been able to update you about what happened.
At the visit Dr. Foster informed Chris and I that Bryant did need tubes. After a lengthy discussion he told me that if I could get him out of day-care he may not need tubes. Needless to say my heart broke at the thought that something I had allowed him to do resulted in him having health problems. Now, for all you mom's who's babies had tubes please don't think that I have issues with those wonderful inventions that make life so much easier. I know that its an easy surgery and for most it is a welcome event. But, for some reason, I just couldn't let this thought go, "I needed to do something". It was like this ache in me that I couldn't let go of. And for those of you who prayed that I would know what to do, your prayers were answered, because when we got home I told Chris that I didn't care if we had to sell the house and the car and do without all the luxuries that we had, one of us needed to be at home full time with Bryant. I didn't care if it was him or me. But this mommy couldn't stand him being sick any more. Of course, my sweet husband needed to pray about this. I don't even know how many days passed before he decided that he would tell his employers he would be leaving work to be a stay at home dad. What a great Dad Bryant has. I don't know many men who would give up their careers to keep a baby. Deep in my heart I didn't think that Chris would be happy at home, but he seemed to think that he would be fine.
After discussion with his employers he told me that they asked him how much it would take to keep him there and let me stay at home. So, that night we made out a budget and laughed at the thought that they would be able supply the need. But, little did we know that God had other plans. Chris gave them the numbers and we never expected the reply that we got.
Chris called me at home and his words brought me to tears. "Well, I got the raise and a new job."
I didn't quit crying the rest of the day. In my heart I believed that God would make a way for one of us to be at home. I just thought that since we couldn't live off of Chris' income alone and we could make it on mine, that logically I would be the one to work. For once, I didn't doubt God. I knew that the feeling I couldn't let go of was from God. I was determined that I was not going to fail the test this time. I passed the test of believing alright, but I limited God to my perspective. He gives to us out of HIS abundance!!!! He gives to us in a way we don't expect. He gave us exactly what we needed and it had nothing to do with what I thought was right or logical. Chris and I know that we experienced a miracle. If we never see another we know that God sees us right where we are and desires to give us the very best, even better than what we ask or imagine. What a gracious God we serve.
Last Friday was Bryant's last day of Day Care. His WONDERFUL aunt Lisa will be keeping him most of the summer. But along with a little help from my mom, Chris' mom and Merissa, Bryant has his summer full while I finish my time at work. He will spend most of his summer with Lindsey and Dillon who he LOVES.
I have to take Bryant back to the ENT on the 15th of this month and I know that we still may have to get tubes for Bryant, but I know that we did what was best for him and that makes me happy beyond belief. I'd also be crazy to believe that God can't heal Bryant. He's already proved to us that he will do more than we imagine. So, for now I will just pray for God's will to be done and FULLY trust that no matter what.....God loves Bryant more that I do, he will do what he desires, and I will give Him GLORY for all that he does.

Sweet little Curls

He's the sweetest little man I've ever known. Yesterday, I sat with him on the couch as he pulled my hat off and put it on his head. When he went to put it back on my head he hit me in the face. I made a little noise and said, "Oww". He laughed so hard and he threw his head back as if he had done something spectacular. We played this game for several minutes....He was so funny that I called Chris so that he could hear Bryant's little belly laugh.

Next Tuesday we will make a visit to the Ears Nose and Throat Doctor to see if Bryant needs tubes in his ears. He has had 4 ear infections in his 10 months of life and even when there is no infection he has had fluid behind his ear drum. Dr. Blake said that after 6 months of fluid behind one ear he recommends that you see the ENT doctor. I've cried and prayed that God would somehow heal Bryant. Maybe when we go to the visit all the fluid will be gone. Wouldn't that be a wonderful miracle? But either way...I'm confident that I'll know exactly what to do. God always seems to give me peace exactly when I need it. So, if I could ask you all for a small favor? Just say a short prayer right now for Bryant. That God would heal him, if it be his will, and if not...Pray that I would be diligent to listen to his direction.

I posted this picture of Bryant from 4/29....The day he turned 10months old. I also wanted you all to see his sweet little curls. They are only on the top, back part of his head. All the rest of his hair is straight.

Bryant and Daddy washing the car

This is the kind of scene that I know I'll enjoy seeing over and over again during the coming years...Daddy teaching Bryant. I pray that Bryant grows to be a gentle, kind, strong, smart man just like his Daddy.
Next week Bryant will be 10 months old. For some reason I feel like it is a mile stone. It's not like he's a year old yet, but he's no longer in the single digit months like 9.... How silly am I? I think that I over analyze the situation, but being a mommy seems to have brought this quality out in me. Today, Greg and Sydna came over and brought my new nephew Whit. I felt privileged as it was Sydna and the baby's first outing since his birth almost 2 weeks ago. I held Whit the whole time and of course I reminisced about holding Bryant just 10 short months ago. I can say SHORT now, but really there were a few months that I thought that I'd never get through. But anyway, back to the story. I cried as I confessed to Sydna that I had been over whelmed with the amount of advice that I was given. Because it made me question my own instincts when what I was doing didn't necessarily match the advice I was given. My point was to her, that I always did my best, and no matter what...."Your the Mommy of the year to Whit". They are resilient little things and even when I was wrong, Bryant was no worse off and I always figured it out and still am for that matter. I call it "We're working it out". For the next 18 years or so Bryant and I will be "Working it out". We'll get through the baby stage and he'll be a toddler...Learning to talk and say things like "no"...And guess what? We will definitely "Work it out". Don't get me wrong....I need the advice, its just that now I know what to do with it.......Listen and think about it.....Then do what I think is best. And now I also know it doesn't have to always be what everyone else thinks is best.

My Spitters

This is a picture of Chris and Bryant spitting together. Bryant has learned this trick along with being able to click his tongue on the roof of his mouth. I know that at some point we'll have to teach him that spitting isn't nice, but for now....it is makes us laugh.
Monday was Bryant's first visitation into his new class. He was there from 9-11. They said he did great. He was happy to be with his friends Jack and Jameson who moved up last week.
This weekend we bought him his first pair of walking shoes. On Sunday we put them on him and it made me so sad. He doesn't look like a little baby any more. He was a little boy.
He's only waking up one time at night now and his cheeks are getting chubbier by the day. Everyday he does something different. Last night Chris and I were playing with him and the "M" sound came out of his mouth. So far it the only noices were different inflections of DA DA. Today he was saying MA MA. I don't think that he has associated that with me yet, but don't worry....I'm working on it.
As of right now Sydna and Greg are at the hospital having a baby boy. I am sad that I am not there to share it with them. Bryant goes to bed so early that there was no way he was gonna make it for the baby to be born. I wanted Chris to be able to stay so I am home with Bryant who is fast asleep. Just 9 months ago I was in labor. Bryant was just this buldge in my belly. I had not seen his face, held him, kissed him, known him. Now, I couldn't imagine my life without him. I am so exicted for Greg and Synda as they will find this new place in their hearts will open. This little boy named Whitten will change them in all the right ways. WELCOME TO THE WORLD WHITTEN.
(I post pictures later)