Explorations!

Blaine is definitely his father's son! He is such a little explorer. We usually keep a gate up to block off the den because that is where we keep the dog's food and water. We just raise the gate up off the floor a little so the dogs can squeeze under, but Blaine can't. This was working wonderfully until my little explorer figured out how to squeeze himself under the gate. He spent several days trying to figure out how to accomplish this. At first he would lie flat on the ground and look under the gate, but he couldn't figure out how to move in this position.........Alas he figured it out!
After he knew how to go under the gate........there was no stopping him. The gate is now on the ground, so if my dogs starve to death, you'll all know why!
On the same day he learned how to go under the gate, he decided to get really adventurous and tried to get under the bed. Unfortunately, we have lots of things under our bed, so he got stuck!! Todd was disappointed that I didn't take a picture of that, but I really thought it would be cruel to leave him there while I went to get the camera!





He's also been working on his balance lately. He likes to stand by himself! He's not walking yet, but I don't expect it to be too much longer........Then we're really in for it!

Exciting News!!

After two LONG months of anticipations, I am extremely excited to be able to share this news with you all!
WE'RE MOVING!!
Where, you may ask?
Todd has accepted a position as a Chemical Engineer for Domtar Industries in Ashdown, Arkansas. He plans to start mid December. We will be staying with our parents in Murfreesboro, Arkansas while we try to anticipate what's going to happen with the economy (more specifically, the housing market). We have had our house here on the market for a few months now, with very minimal activity. We ultimately plan to relocate to the Texarkana area!
I can't tell you all how excited we are to be moving HOME! We love our life, our Church, and our friends here in Florida, and we will miss them all tremendously. We have been so blessed to have such caring friends and a wonderful church family. But, we always knew the time would come when we would want to move closer to our family........That time is now!
I had always told Todd that once we had children I would want to move closer to home, but I never realized how much I would want that. Having Blaine has made me realize how much our family is missing out on with us being so far away. Over the past eight months as I have watched Blaine grow, learn, and change before my very eyes, it has been so exciting; however, it has also been a bit bitter sweet. Seeing him grow and change so quickly makes me realize just how much all of those who love him really are missing out on.
I am so excited we will be able to share our joy with them!
MANY hours of prayer were heard and have been answered!

What a Busy Day!

My day began with Todd waking me to tell me goodbye at 5:30 this morning. Yes, he went to work at 5:30 this morning!!! Blaine and I were up at 6:45, and by 8:00 we had eaten, showered, gotten ready, and were out the door. We then drove to the polls to stand in line for an hour and a half waiting to vote.... Todd joined us about half way through the wait. Blaine is such a good baby.....He waited so patiently even though he and I both were ill-prepared for the weather! The forecast was sunny with a high of 78. However, the temperature never got out of the 60's, and it was overcast all day. Fortunately I did at least have Blaine in pants........but no socks on those cold little toes. Anyway, we finally got to vote, and then Todd and Blaine headed home while I went to work. I tutor on Tuesdays, and Todd works from home so he can keep Blaine. But today Todd needed to go back to work before I got home, so after a morning nap, it was off to play with Jayden and Kelso for a couple of hours! Not a problem for Blaine; he loves to be entertained by Jayden, and Jayden LOVES to entertain him. Jayden squeals with joy when Blaine comes over, and it seems to be virtually impossible for her to curb her enthusiam. The funny thing is Jayden has her very own little brother who is only 2 months older than Blaine, but I think maybe the new has already worn off of him!! Anyway, Blaine had a blast crawling through the new tunnel Jayden got for her birthday,


and he even got invited to his very first tea party. Amy pointed out that Blaine looks less than thrilled about this tea party. He's obviously learning early that sometimes its easier to just appease the women!!

I got off work just in time to pick Blaine up and bring him home for a nap. Then he woke up ready to go, go, go. He's such a busy boy! He's started walking behind his push toy this week. It's so cute, and he thinks it's hillarious!! He's also learned how to climb onto his new chair......not climb as in the sitting sense, but climb in the sense that he's standing in the chair. I'm affraid the child has many injuries in his future!! Let's just hope he's not as accident prone as his daddy!