Wordless Tuesday?

5 months old.

Dear Titus,

You turned 5 months old yesterday. Whoa. As I was leading worship yesterday at church, I couldn't help but think about the blessing you have been to our lives the past 5 months. I thank the Lord for your sweet little life all the time.
At 5 months you have just about started sleeping through the night. We started unsaddling you last weekend and you did really well most of the week. However, we've had a few minor set backs. I'm not sure what's going on, but you haven't slept well the last 3 nights in a row. All week long I would lay you in your crib and you would roll right over on your belly, move around and get comfortable and go right to sleep. I couldn't believe how much you liked sleeping on your tummy! You go to sleep around 7:45ish and most of the time wake up between 5 and 6, eat, and then go back to bed, in our bed with me until 8 or 9. I love that time, and to be honest, will probably always do it until you start sleeping longer in the mornings. I know you're not ready to fully wake up because you usually sleep for 3 more hours.
You love to giggle. It's my joy to watch your daddy walk in the door at night and to see your face LIGHT up and you start giggling! It's just crazy and melts my heart a ton! You started really eating rice cereal a few days ago. I haven't been consistent with it at all up until this weekend. Your dad fed you oatmeal cereal twice yesterday, and you ate EVERY BITE! Your daddy may just be feeding you that every night now! :) I thought I would wait until 6 months to fully feed any anything, however, you got teeth at 3 months and have been ready to eat for a while now.

You have almost mastered sitting up by yourself on the floor. It makes you frustrated when you fall over, but we will keep practicing. I'm scared you're about to start crawling very soon. You lift your arms all the way up like you are ready and stick your butt in the air. It's just crazy!
Your hair is getting lighter and lighter. Your bald spot is totally coming back blonde. Will you be a blonde little boy with blue eyes? Your daddy picked up yesterday and asked you if you were really his child. Your features are totally favoring your momma.

You LOVE Baby Faith and Baby Einstein still. You will crack up and carry on watching it in the evenings when momma cooks dinner. You still love your swing, however, you're getting too big for it. I'll be sad when we have to pack that thing up. I probably should check the weight limit. :)

You still talk ALL of the time. We took you to small group the other night and you were the life of the party. I started feeling bad that we were distracting everyone. You would look at someone and crack up for no reason! It was THE BEST!! I loved that everyone got to see your dramatic personality. And boy are you dramatic! :) When you get mad, you've started throwing your arms up in the air and your head back. It's hilarious and ridiculous all at the same time!. Geez, we have alot to "look forward" too huh. You don't mind your car seat anymore. Praise the Lord. You love being out and about.

You take 3 naps a day. Lately you've taken and hour and a half nap in the morning and afternoon and then about a 30 minute nap between 5 and 6. You play hard and sleep hard during the day. Boy does momma love nap times!

You've started to really take notice of your puppy. Charlie gives you kisses and you just giggle. You will follow her around the room all day long, but she sleeps most of the day so you can't. :)

You still don't mind the church nursery, thank goodness. However, you still have a bit of "stage fright" if other people get in your face and oo and aww over you and make high noises. You will stick that bottom lip out so far and try really hard not to cry. But, big crocodile tears fall. It's funny and sad all at the same time. Bless your sensitive heart.

Titus, you are a joy to your momma and dad. Your personality is getting so fun and I could just snuggle you all day. However, you don't like to snuggle. Maybe one of these days. I wish I could just stop time and have the days go by a bit slower. Before we know it, you'll be going through puberty. Oh Loooorrrd.
I love you Titus Garrett.
Love,
Momma

P.S. Pictures to come.

Cell Phone Pics - Month 4.

Operation UNSWADDLE worked. He loves laying on his side and then eventually on his stomach. He prefers to snuggle the bumper pad.

His new favorite trick. Spitting. ughghggg.

First time riding in the jogging stroller. Thank you Aunt Ashlee and Uncle Scott for letting us borrow it!

Rice cereal = all over face. New trick of spitting = all over mom's face. Nice.

First time to wear shoes. Notice the piece of hair laying on the forhead. He loves to mess his hair up. It's getting taller by the day.

Playing the piano with my feet. Thanks again Aunt Ashlee and Uncle Scott for letting us borrow this!

Combovers are cute.

First time to hang out in high chair. This is his chair of choice.

Combovers and cheeks.

Behind. 4 months

UPDATE: Titus almost slept through the night last night with NO SWADDLE! Praise His Name. He's such a good boy. Pictures still to come. :)


I'm a terrible mom. Christmas went by so stinking fast, and both Peter and I had terrible colds, that we didn't take harldy any pictures. Luckily my parents and Peter's parents both did. Maybe they will pass them on so I can remember Titus' first Christmas. I mean, I didn't even get his first snow picture, not to mention his first picture with Santa. I had mixed feelings about that.

Titus turned 4 months on Christmas Eve. I couldn't believe how fast it came from 3 months! I guess it's because he turned 3 months on Thanksgiving.

-He weighs 16 lbs 6 oz and is 26 inches long as of January 4th.

-He has really bad excema, but we're keeping it pretty clear with Cortizone and Aquaphor. He's always greasy, including his hair. Poor kid.

-Speaking of hair, we've started combing his hair to the side. He is so cute, however, Peter says he looks like Hitler because it's so long and he has a bald section all the way around his head. It's long at the bottom. Lord help me if he gets any longer, then he'll have a mullet. :)

-He still has just 2 bottom teeth. You got those the day after you turned 3 months. I couldn't believe how fast it happened. Your doctor says that is very advanced, and in his 7 years of practice, he's never seen a kid his age with teeth. Luckily his aunts and uncles on Peter's side got teeth very early. So, he gets that advancement from his dad. :)

-He's quite the drama king. His personality is TRUELY shining through these days. He screams on a consistent basis. Not a mad scream, that's just how he expresses himself. This causes a problem in public, because he gets pretty excited if he's out of his carrier and just sitting in his stroller. It's pretty hilarious.

-He's grabbing all toys and putting them directly into his mouth.

-He finally rolled from his back to his tummy a few weeks ago and everytime we lay him on the floor he rolls and rolls. Back and forth. Sometimes he forgets how to get back on to his back and gets mad. But, then he'll figure it out.

-He is still swaddled at night. He CANNOT sleep without it. Lord help me the day we have to take it off. After we swaddle him we lay him on his side in his positioner and he stays like that the whole time.

-He still isn't fully sleeping through the night. Once a week he does it. Consistency isn't happening yet. I praise the Lord when he does. We've started letting him cry at night this week. The max he's gone is about 12 minutes. He's tired of enough that he goes to sleep. This week he's started waking up around 2:30 talking to himself. He just talks himself right back to sleep. Maybe I drink to much caffiene.

-He can sit up for about 15-30 seconds, but he's so active that he usually falls over and rolls.

-My mom got him a high chair for Christmas, and you would think he was king of the earth! He feels so big. When we eat, we set him in it and he STARES a HOLE in our food! I think he's ready for real food.

-We started playing around with rice cereal. It's not his favorite. I think I'll probably try putting some pear juice or something in it. I haven't been too serious about giving it to him. I read several places that it doesn't have much nutritional value, so, we're just sticking to breastmilk. I'll give him rice cereal about every other day.

-He is still eating every 3 hours during the day and can for the most part go 9 hours at night.

-He is still wearing 3-6 month clothing, but in some brands, 6-9 months. Lord help me he's growing to fast!

-He thinks everything is very funny. He must have gotten that from his momma. Haaa. He especially thinks it's funny when I take him out of his carrier when he's been in there for a long time.

-Peter won a portable DVD player at his old job and saved our life this month. We took a trip to Houston and Abilene and he LOVES Baby Faith and Baby Einsten. If I know I'm going to be driving all over the place, it goes on repeat. :)

-He STOPPED taking a bottle in December. He refuses. We went on an anniversary day date in the middle of December, and that's the day he decided to stop. He went 8 hours without eating. You can imagine my horror all day long. Poor Peter....he was trying to be understanding, but he was just as frustrated as I was.

-STill only has 2 teeth..but THEY HURT!

-He has started getting scared when other people hold him in a crazy place or if people get in his face and tell him how cute he is all at once. He'll stick his bottom lip out and cry. It's ridiculous. We've had several "talks" about this. ;)
Luckily he hasn't gotten upset in the church nursery.


Dear Titus,

You are our joy. You constantly make us laugh. You are learning something new everyday and are blowing us away!!! Your doctor says you are on the fast track to everything. He calls you "very advanced" for your age. Now, let's just sleep like we're a big boy too! Okay!??
We can't wait to see what your personality will be like even more. I think we pretty much have you pegged. Loud, dramatic, laughs at everything...Praise the Lord for a fun kid! :) You'll be 5 months old in less than a week. How can this be true! Thank you for the privelege of being your mom and dad. I love you SO VERY MUCH.

Mom and Dad.

Pictures coming on the next post...

Merry Christmas!

Photos courtesy of Brittney Poe at http://thepoefam.blogspot.com

Heavy Heart

Our pastor, Matt Chandler had a seizure on Thanksgiving day and was rushed to the ER. They ran several tests and found a small mass on his frontal lobe in his brain.
Today, Monday, he met with a Neurosurgeon in Dallas and they decided to go ahead and remove the tumor this Friday, December 5th. Please join me in praying hard for him and his family. Pray for peace, wisdom, and for that tumor to be benign! Pray for Lauren, for strenth and a peace that surpasses all understanding. It's the first weekend in the new building and this past weekend was the last in the old. Matt has to miss both and I'm sure is very upset about that. A monumental occasion and a testament to the faithfulness of Christ for The Village Church.
You can receive updates via facebook by joining the group, "Praying for Matt Chandler," or our church website. www.thevillagechurch.net
I love this family so much and basically followed them to the metroplex. I worked for Matt in college and Lauren and I sang together all 4 years. My heart aches, but is encouraged by his strenth and his love for Christ in this turn of events. Join in lifting him up! He is preached the gospel to thousands of people over the last 10 years and already there are almost 20,000 people on that facebook group! A testament for sure of Christ!

3 MONTHS

Whoa. 3 months. Really?

At 3 months you:

*are sleeping in your big boy crib. Sort of. You started taking naps there about a month ago and loved it. You started sleeping there at night this week and did pretty well. For some reason you wake up once to eat and then will go back to sleep. We're traveling all week, so the sleeping thing should be interesting. You stopped sleeping well in the pack and play in our room, so it was easy for me to move you.

*You've slept through the night about 4 times. I'd like to make this more consistent. You definitely weigh enough. In fact, I'm sure you've tipped the scales at 15 lbs now. I need to go get you weighed. :)

* You are wearing 3-6 months clothes and have for about 5 weeks.

*Your hands and feet are still huge. :) 3-6 month socks are too small for you. ;)

* You laugh and talk ALOT! We can make you laugh at a moments notice. You've even thrown your head back a few times, which is hilarious.

* You have become more content sitting in our laps at mealtimes, watching the television, etc.

* You still love your swing and would sleep in it for hours if I let you. Sometimes in the mornings when I'm really tired and want to go back to bed, you'll sleep for 3 hours in your swing. :) I might do that once every other week. We've had some setbacks with sleeping, so momma has been sleepy.

* You don't love tummy time, but will tolerate it for about 10 minutes. I personally don't think you need it anymore, however, all the books say you do. :) So, I'll comply.

* You went to the church nursery at "test service" in the new building yesterday. All the ladies fought over you and your mohawk.

*Speaking of mohawks, never in my life have we gotten so much attention with you in our lives. It's ridiculous! I love it.

*You still eat every 2-3 hours, except at night. You've dropped your nighttime feedings.

*You are enamored by kids! You talk and laugh and carry on when they are around.

* You've started putting that bottom lip out when I hand you to someone in a crowded place. It's random when you do it. Otherwise, you're pretty easy going. However, those times when you want your momma, you let everyone know.

* You have found your voice, and it is L-O-U-D! I wonder where you got that? Your momma...everyone says.

*You will smile at anyone...which I LOVE. I think you are going to be a very social child.

* You started sitting in your stroller without being in your carseat. You think you are on top of the world! You will sit and talk there forever.

* You still have a love/hate relationship with your carseat. Last week we drove out to Allen and back and you didn't make a peep. Then we drove out to Dalas and back and you did great. However, some days, you scream all the way to church, grocery store, etc...which is 5 minutes down the road.

* You are very particular about how you are being held. You hate to be held like a baby. If someone tries you arch your back and cry....a fake cry. You have to watch things...

* Lately, if I sing things to you, you seem to echo those same sounds back to me. It MELTS MY HEART!

* You started teething a last week and that just about sent momma over the edge. Drool encompasses all of our clothing and you constantly have to be sucking on something. We changed your pacifier and got you a vibrating teether. You love it. As of Monday, you finally cut one on the bottom! This makes me very sad. I feel bad for you, because you can't really hold a teething toy in your mouth!

Dear Titus,

You are becoming more of a little boy every day and that breaks my heart! You are a constant joy in our lives and I praise the Lord for you daily and thank him for the miracle that you truly are. This week we have learned of a miscarriage from a close friend and a not so good diagnosis about having kids from another. We pray hard for those best friends of mom and dad's for the Lord to bless them with a miracle. Afterall, you need some best friends. :) I love your huge smile and your sweet coo's more than life itself and I could listen to them all day. Thank you for your constant slobbery kisses and your burrowing hugs.

I love you little buddy.

Love, Momma and Daddy

Pictureless Post

Every once in a while, there just needs to be words. So sorry to disappoint.

Even though our sweet boy is growing at a rapid rate, and I should be documenting every moment, it will have to wait until next time.

Staying at home has proved to be one of the most rewarding gifts I have ever been given. I think about how lucky I am often. Even though finances are not flowing like the river, I am happy doing what I was called to do. Being that it is the month of November, I've decided to post every day something I am thankful for. Granted, it is November 10th, so today I'll post 10 things.

1. Staying at home. Well, I've already said that. Watching Titus grow and loving on him all day is awesome. He is such a joy to raise. He is a laughter and a smiler! We've been taking him places and he smiles and giggles at everyone! I praise the Lord for that. I want him to experience true joy all through his life. I know the ultimate joy is for him to come to know the Lord at an early age. That will be true joy.

2. Peter. I never knew how much I really loved and appreciated Peter as my husband until Titus was born. I see him a new light as I watch him with Titus. He is my heart and I love who he has become. He takes care of us so well, and the unconditional love I feel for him is unreal. I still get giddy when he comes home from work and yesterday, he surprised me by taking the day off. I'm sure it was more for his sanity and renewing, however, it renewed my spirit as well! I love you P.E.A.

3. Titus. My sweet boy. You are such a blessing. Thank you LORD for blessing us with such an incredible gift. I can only help but praise your name when I wake up every morning to his precious face. You have added a love and a joy I have never known before! Thank you Lord.

4. Charlie. This might sound lame, but this dog blesses my heart so much. She is my partner during the day. Speaking of unconditional love....she loves us unconditionally. Thank you Charlie.

5. Family. Thanks to my parents for basically giving us everything we could ever possibly need in life. We couldn't do life with out them and it's a joy to watch them with Titus. Of course my mom spoils him half to death. She can't go 2 weeks without seeing him. Praise the Lord for that!Thanks to Peter's family for the constant meals and encouragement.

6. A community of believers to worship with. Thank you Lord for The Village Church and all you are doing.

7. Friends. Being that I'm almost 30, I understand the meaning of a true friendship. A friend that loves you because you are a sinner. A friend who fights for you and loves you for who you are and wants only the best for you. Thank you Lord for those friends. You make doing life here a joy.

8. Our health. Thank you Lord for your protection over Titus, Peter and me. The thought of the flu sends me over the edge and scares me to death these days. Lord, you are mightier than the flu. You are mightier than my thoughts and fears. Thank you for loving me in spite of my fearful heart. Thank you for putting life into perspective.

9. A roof over my head and great neighbors.

10. Good food, good wine, and friends to share that with.

I'm a Monkey.

Had to get a profile.

Okay this isn't too bad. Just don't velcro it mom.

Hat on. MEAN MOM.

Hat Off.

MEAN MOM.

MEAN MOM.

2 MONTHS OLD

Because I'm an awesome photographer. :) hahaaaa....

He didn't really want to look at the camera. :) I can see each month this is only going to get harder. :)
Here's some of my favorites from my phone over the last 2 weeks.

Today, in our Halloween footie pjs. Thanks Thompson. :) We love them.

Aftermath from his shots yesterday sleeping on me. :) Sweet, sweet boy.

At the doctor. He was laughing and smiling. This was before his shots. :) I had to get a pic. :)

Having a serious conversation with his dad on Saturday morning about how he was up all night for no apparent reason. :)I just had to go buy him some toboggans. The one from the hospital was the only one that fit!!!

My little man. :) It looks as if he's flaring his nostrils here. ;)

This is what happens when I don't fix his hair. Comb over central. Grow to appreciate the Mohawk everyone. :)

Airing out the other day...he had a heat rash, swollen allergy eyes and bad cradle cap in one day. He thought it was hilarious.

My how time flies when you're having fun!

Titus at 2 months you:

-You weigh 13 lbs and 9 oz making you in the 95%. You're a BIG boy. :) I think it's all in your cheeks.

-You are 23 1/2 inches tall putting you in the 50-75%.

-You were so happy yesterday, the day you got your shots. You were even laughing at the nurse right before you she stuck you 3 times! Then, your mouth opened really wide, your face turned bright red, I picked your stiff body up and you let out the loudest most piercing, rhythmic scream I have ever heard. I should have blown on your face. I heard that's the trick to get you to breath again. You finally relaxed your body and kept screaming. Your dad and I just looked at each other in shock! I told him I had never heard you scream like that in the 2 months of your life! I cried right along with you and your dad wiped my tears. You were quickly soothed by your paci and fell asleep in your car seat on the 10 minute ride home. Luckily you didn't run a fever and were pretty happy the rest of the day. Can't wait till 4 months. Geez..at least I'll be prepared this time.

-sleep fairly well at night. Most nights you go to bed at 10pm and wake up between 2:30-4:30am to eat and then go back to sleep around 8. The last couple of nights, you've woken up at 2:30 and 6 and then go back to sleep till 9am. I shouldn't complain. You're getting there.

-you hate to be swaddled, however, it's the only way to sleep. You're a very active baby, so this causes a problem when it's time to sleep. You'll kick and flail your arms forever.

-Since you're such an active baby, this sometimes causes a problem when you eat. You prefer to push off whatever chair I'm feeding you in while eating. Which has caused a few blisters on my end. :)

-You smile, talk and laugh all day long. Especially when your dad gets home. It doesn't matter if you are sound asleep...you hear his voice, open your eyes and crack up! It's crazy!! But it melts my heart and I look forward to that time every single day.

-You started taking naps in your crib a few weeks ago and have done pretty well! Your "nana T" bought you a really cool mobile, but you sometimes prefer to laugh at your bumper pad. The contrasting colors crack you up!

-You really enjoy your paci. If I put it in your mouth, it immediately triggers sleepy time. You suck on it really hard!

-When you are tired you have this hilarious yell. It's not crying, just yelling. It makes us laugh so we like to torture you and watch you do it.

-Just this week you've started fighting sleep. You'd much rather be awake this week....opposite of how you've been for the past few weeks.

-You went on your first trip to Abilene last weekend. You got to meet your great-grandparents, great aunts, cousins, etc. You were really tired when we got home, but slept great while we were there!

-You hate your car seat. Pretty soon you're going to start bucking when I put you in it. But, if I keep talking to you or sit by you, you enjoy it. This poses a problem when I'm not sitting back there with you.

-You have yet to attend church. Your mom and dad are really scared of the SW$NE FL#. Darn pigs.

-Your eyes are still very blue.

-Your hair is turning auburn, but has blonde roots.

-You have bad skin like your dad. Everything gives you a rash. Cortisone clears it up every time!

-You LOVE your changing table. You'll talk and laugh all day long.

-If you are fussy, the swing calms you down almost immediately. You will sleep in it for at least 2 hours. :)

Dear Titus,

I can't believe you are 2 months old. I never thought I could love you so much. You are constantly making me laugh and cry all at the same time. Your precious voice sends me over the edge!! I can't wait to watch you grow into a really strong boy. After all, you already are. Your family adores you and dotes on you all day long. :) Thank you Lord for this precious gift. Give Peter and I wisdom and faith as your parents. Lord I pray you capture Titus' heart early, so that he too can know your love.

Love, Mom

Pumpkin Patch 2009

Had a great time at the pumpkin patch. Ridiculous really for me to take him. But, a good time for socializing! Momma needed to get OUT of the house and out in the beautiful weather! Thanks Michael for the precious pic. Why am I smiling so big here?

Debating on whether to get little buddy a Halloween costume. I feel like it's torture for him right now. And, I'm sure he'll have a strong opinion about it. :)

Don't have time to post anymore, but I will later! Have a great rest of the weekend!!

pictures!

Our annual pumpkin carving/soup party at our house last night. :) All of our "gang" came and it was truly refreshing. I love my little community and family. I wish we could hang out every weekend.

Sorry this is sideways...confused how to turn it around. Titus and Jacob. Jacob kept putting his hand in Titus' mouth. It was hilarious. Jacob 9 weeks, Titus 7 weeks.

The girls. Natasha will get mad at me posting this picture of her. Sorry, it's the only one I had!

Me and Natalie.

Jeremy making Titus laugh. It was precious.

Peter and I. I think someone ate our pumpkin. He was trying to carve an A. :)

Rachel and Craig. Craig very excited about his carving.

Thomas, Natasha and Jacob. Thomas was mad at me because I accidentally threw his pumpkin top away. Whoops.

Miriam and Jeff. They came all the way from Austin to play.

Jeremy came with 2 mini pumpkins. He claims all the big ones were sold out. I cannot write on here what he carved.

Ridiculous.

I caught Josh whispering to Natalie....his pumpkin was scary. She would say "his" because of how scary it was. :)

Friday night we went out to Target. Titus had to get bundled up to go to Corner Bakery and Target. Thank you Brittney for the hoodie. :)

Here we are. :)

Mad because he had to pose.

Dad attempting to make things better. He can find Peter anywhere in the room. It's crazy.

Saying goodbye to my Honda last Saturday. Praise the Lord we sold it and were able to pay off all of the things that broke the week before! He is Faithful! We even were able to put money in savings.

Well, there is your week in pictures! We're taking a road trip next weekend. Should be exciting. It will be my first weekend out of town since May. Praise the Lord! I'm ready and Titus is too. :)

Thank you Lord for the cold weather! This week we look forward to the pumpkin patch, breakfast and coffee with a new friend, a rearranged living room, etc.