Home! (Part 1)

Do you ever wonder sometimes, where "home" is? I do. It can get so confusing sometimes.

I mean not really, but kind of. Most often when I think of "home" I think of our little house in the city of Waterloo, where my husband, son and I create happy memories together, and live our every-day lives.  But then, when I talk to Graham at the supper table, I say "back at home..." Meaning "home" in Oregon. Sometimes it's so confusing.  All of that to say that I went "home" (to Oregon) this month for a week, to visit the family, and go to a tea that was donated by my aunt Jean for the benefit auction they held for my mom in March. It was Kenden's first time flying, and I did it alone.. I was slightly apprehensive,  but of course, my son, being the angel that he is, did really good, and the flight wasn't sooo bad. :)

He was actually having quite the little party with his toes. grinning and cheesing away..keeping his mother occupied for the however-many-hours it was that we sat at JFK. 

 I think he kinda wants the camera! He was so good..but next time, let me tell you I will be taking a stroller along. Traveling for 12 or more hours with an infant, and no break whatsoever for your poor arms and back..yes this means someone got a little sore and tired.  

I thought this looked kind of cool while the sun was setting..watching jets taxi... until it was our turn to fly out, and we taxied for over an hour (yes, more like 75 minutes) because there was a "traffic jam". Not exactly my idea of a good way to start an already loong (6 +)  hour flight.

Cousins! Bronson was a little tired I guess...the excitement was already worn off for him, cause Jenna and her children had landed an hour or two earlier.. Kenden was thrilled to meet another little buddy though. :)

My brother, meeting his nephew for the first time..taking him on a walk around the yard.. I kinda like this one.

Kenden with his Auntie Janelle, at a backyard party. 

I think my poor baby felt somewhat lost and neglected when we got home and he had no one to lay on  the floor and entertain him like his uncles. 

He loved all the time that was spent out on the porch swing..not sure how many hours he spent out there, with various care-takers. 

Relaxing on Grandma, on her beautiful porch, soaking in a lovely day..what more could you ask for, anyway? Yes, life is good. 

Having a little Grandpa time here.. we are sad that we can't be closer to Grandpa and Grandma, so they can watch him grow up..

It was so good to be able to meet up with my good friend, Heather Smith! She's the kind of friend, that sadly, we don't do a lot of communicating from across the miles, but have sweet times together when I'm home. We had a lovely afternoon catching up at Starbucks..the only problem was that the time went way to fast! She is such a dear, sweet lady! Thank you, Heather, for taking time to fit this visit in your full schedule that week! I treasure our friendship.

Kenden got to taste his first food while we were there, and let me tell you, he l-o-v-e-d every single bite. My baby is growing up so fast!

Getting a bit more aggressive here, and NO, ice cream was not his first food, even if we were with Grandpa. Bananas will do just fine for now, thank-you-very-much. 

Had a family get-together one evening, and sadly I didn't do so well with taking pictures.. I did manage to get one decent one from the evening, with cousins Megan and Melissa, and we can't forget Chavon. He was having quite a high time sitting there silently while we talked. Such a cute little goof!

Mom, and my little sisters went shopping, and then stopped for some lunch..Kenden, since he's had his first taste of food, decided that it's plain torture to sit through a meal and not get one little teeny bite. How cruel! At least he could chew on my straw..but then there's the moment of panic, when he swiftly grabs the straw farther down, and shoves.. Son, I don't want you gagging, or anything. Careful here..

Little sisters posing with the trash, since we didn't get the camera out before we ate, like normal people would..

Then again, we're not normal. Or are we??

My little angel..fast asleep with his precious bunny. It kind of wears a little one out, being at Grandpa's house, with all kinds of stuff going on all.the.time. But we had such a good time. (Even though we missed our favourite person, dreadfully!) Sadly, Graham couldn't come along with us this time. Next time please?!

There will be another post following (hopefully before too much longer) of the tea party, and my little man's 5 month photo's.  For now I need to get moving.

 Happy weekend to one and all!

4 months



 



He's growing so fast! How can my baby be so big already? In the last few weeks it seems as though he has changed from being a little baby to a.. well, I guess a big boy. Yet still baby. However that works. 

Last weekend we were in Indiana, and he went swimming for the first time. He loved it!! He has always liked bath time, so I figured he would like this too.. it was so much fun! I think we need a kiddy pool now. For Kenden, of course..  :) I mean what better way to spend a hot afternoon with your baby!?

I love his grin. Pure joy here...

So the other day, I finally finally took the time to just take his 4 month pictures. It seems like plans change so fast around here. I had "plans" to get them done a week (or two) earlier..but it didn't happen. He was feeling very sober, but still incredibly darling if I may say so myself.  

He's just discovering his feet, and how much fun it is to play with them..although it sometimes takes a little while for him to actually get his toes close enough to grab. I could just sit and watch him play for a long time.

 



Yes, he recently figured out how to roll over. I guess we've reached the end of putting him on the floor, and expecting to come back 5 minutes later with him in the same spot. :)



 

Kenden, I love being your mama more and more.. You grow so fast that it's sometimes hard for me to keep up with you. You have the most beautiful blue eyes that melt my heart every time I look into them. You are discovering how much fun it is to drink water out of a cup like daddy and I. You also watch the spoon from the plate to our mouths.. you squeal and laugh when daddy takes you on little "airplane" rides. You love your bath time more every day. I'm beginning to think it's the highlight of your day when daddy takes you up there for some fun in the water, before tucking you in your own little bed.  You have taught me so much in the past 41/2 months.. how to love deeper, how to treasure those little every-day moments more than before, because you grow and change so fast.. to thank God more often for the many blessings He sends us.. you being the very biggest one that He's sent your daddy and I. I pray every day that you will grow up to be a strong man of God, and help make a difference in the eternal destiny of at least one lost soul.  Son, I always want you to know/remember that I love you... more than you will ever be able to grasp. I'm praying that somehow, you will be able to look past the many mistakes that we make, and see Jesus in our lives.. and one day you will ask Him to rule yours as well. All my love, your mama

 

** I started this post a week ago now, I believe... yes life is busy being a mama, but I wouldn't trade it for the world. God has blessed us beyond measure. Remember to Worship Him in the daily.

Happy Summer Days

Yes, life is good and Summer is busy! :) I told Graham months ago that life will slow down after _______. And it never does. So, the other day we were talking about it.. We decided never mind it slowing down, this is our life, lets embrace it, and go along for the ride. It really is good! (most days..must be honest here.;)  I guess maybe you're figuring out (as well as I am) that this is turning out to be mostly a picture blog. I'm fine with that. :) So bear with me as I load another heaping pile of photo's to this thing.

Happy Fathers Day!! I was so sad that this was the only picture I took of daddy and his boy on Fathers day.. I was so going to do a little photo shoot... thought of it at all the wrong times (like this) and of course I couldn't ruin a moment like this..and, of course, I didn't remember again later.. unTIL the babes was put to bed. Oh well. there's always next year.

So, photography is obviously not my strong point...as much as I wish it were. I guess you have to start somewhere, and at least capture a few precious expressions, and moments in time with this darling boy we're honored to call our son.

In the middle of June, my dear sister came up for a visit. We had a grand time together talking, laughing, playing with the baby of the house, doing projects, going on walks, and of course drinking a few Timmy's! I mean, we probably wouldn't have survived, walking that long, hot trek to the bakery, if we didn't have a coffee stop right on our way home. :)

We sat him in the bumbo for the first time a few weeks ago. He cheesed the whole time, but was still quite wobbly.. I'm ok with him still being too little for that thing. He's growing up fast enough the way it is.

Camille was sweet enough to babysit for us one night so we could go out on a date. Yay for date nights, and  a sweet, handsome guy to go on them with! I absolutely love spending every minute I can with this man. He totally rocked my world. I love you, Babe!

So precious! He was happy for awhile, but as soon as I grabbed the camera, he started to get that worried "mommy rescue me" look on his face.

Such a gorgeous young lady, and charming child. Cammile had her birthday while she was here, so we took her to Niagara Falls on Saturday evening. Such beautiful, perfect weather we had! I could spend a lot of time there.

Ready to see The Falls! :)

Why is it that your favourite family photo has to turn out so grainy and weird? I so badly want to turn it into a "perfect picture".  I simply love the secret gardens there, and could spend hours just drinking in the beauty and peacefulness of the place.

Goofy times with the sis. Oh, it was so good to have her around for a few weeks!

That's it, for now folks! I hope you all have a wonderful week, and remember the One who gives you each breath you take.. allows you to live each precious moment that you have. Treasure every day! 

Our Little Family

In May, a friend of ours, Elliott Mullet came up for a visit. I was secretly hoping he would maybe snap a few photos of our family while he was here, since I knew he has a love for photography. I was more than thrilled when he asked if we would mind if he "practice" on us. :) We were very happy with his photo's, and I would say he does a pretty great job!
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Saturday night, in Uptown Waterloo.  Yeah, it was freezing cold the end of May. Really?? I guess I'm still getting used to this Canadian weather.. OK, maybe it wasn't freezing, but it was really cold, and my fingers were about numb. Crazy, I know...

Sunday afternoon, we went to Webster Falls. It was lovely to be out enjoying the beautiful creation, the warm, late afternoon sunshine, friends, our little family and just the happiness of togetherness.

I love this one..It melts my heart! Our baby has such a great daddy! Thank you Jesus, for blessing my life with this incredible man, and darling baby boy.

I am so blessed. Really!!  Sometimes I wonder why He chooses to bless us so, when there are so many people out there hurting, broken and lost. Do I really grasp what I/we have, and thank Him for it??
I don't think I do...otherwise I would be constantly worshiping. I wouldn't forget, and have to remind myself so often that  I. Have. So. Much.  We have so much... !

 Moments like these.. they are so special. Priceless. I'm realizing how fast life really does go. How can it be that my baby is already over 3 months? Where has it gone? Kenden has already changed so much, I can hardly remember just how tiny and different he was back in those first days and weeks. Have I mentioned yet that I simply l.o.v.e being his mommy?

Kenden was just hanging out on the ground, while daddy and mommy got a few pictures too. :) I love this child's happy expressions!

This is the man that I love spending my life with. It feels some days, like it's so easy to get caught up in the busyness of life, and forget to treasure the every day moments that we have together... it's easy to feel like we don't have nearly enough time together, and let that drag me down.. then I to often, waste the precious time we DO have together, wishing we had more. It's so wrong.. I've been working on it, but still have a little ways to go.  Looking back, it's often some of the littler things, that stick out the most, and are the best memories.. So, I'm going to live in the moment, take a camera everywhere I go, and remember that today's moments are tomorrows memories. Cherish them!