Future Babe Ruth

Noah LOVES playing baseball. He has mastered hitting from the tee and is pretty good at hitting the ball when you throw to him. Here is a shot of him hitting off the tee. The other thing that amazes me is how hard and far he can throw a ball. He has quite an arm on him!

Warm weather = FUN

Noah and Maleah making some shade from the sun

Noah's bird feeders

Having a snack

This week has been in the mid 70's so we have been taking advantage of the weather. Noah decided to make some bird feeders for all of his pet birds in the back. (He even has one bird, "charlie" who hangs out at our back window all day) And Maleah enjoyed basking in the sun while jumping and watching brother play!

Whole again...for a while

Dave comes homes in 2 days! I already have plans to sleep and run to the grocery store all by myself. Oh, and perhaps sit down in peace and quiet with a warm meal in which I will finish before it gets cold. These are the luxuries I have missed the most with being a single parent over the past three months.

I know that I could not have done this journey alone and I want to recognize my church family and friends along with our family who supported us along the way. God has been so faithful in orchestrating this whole event. And, more than ever, I can truly say I have felt his presence through each day and especially in the moments when I think I have had all I can take. Most importantly HE has kept my husband safe despite all that's going on overseas and for that I lift up praises!

Although I know that this is not our last time for Dave to go to Afghanistan, I think the first round is always the hardest. In reflection over this journey I would say that this is what I personally have gotten out of it: I appreciate my husband more than ever, I am even more thankful for what I have, I am blessed with amazing people in my life, I am more capable and stronger than I ever thought I was, my kids are wild but keep me busy and happy, life is full of surprises, it is okay to eat hot dogs or chicken nuggets three days in a row, late night quiet time is wonderful....and so is early bedtimes, and finally, Skype is the greatest invention ever!

As we conclude this trip, I am filled with excitement and lots to do before we pick Dave up on Sunday. Thank you again to all of you who supported us along the way! We love you all!!

First word!

While nana was visiting Maleah started waving a lot. It is so cute to watch her wave at everything....the tv, people, herself-my favorite is her backwards wave to herself! Then one day while nana was holding her, I waved to her and said hi. She looked at me, waved back and said "hi!". It took me a second to realize that's she had spoke her first word. After that for about an hour she continued waving and repeating "hi". It was very exciting. Now, if only I can get her to say it on command!

Maleah in her new dresses

Crafts, crafts, and more crafts

While mom was visiting this time we took advantage of Dave being gone and we crafted for two straight weeks! Seriously, we had a blast making so many things. (Darn pintrest!) We started out working on Maleah's scrapbook, then we moved to Noah's reward chart and cousin Carson's birthday present (Noah helped with this one) to making some dresses for Maleah. Here are some shots of the outcomes:

Noah's Reward Chart

Dresses for Maleah

Homemade Gak--made by Noah
I am looking forward to putting Maleah in her new dresses. This was a great sewing lesson for me as I have not touched a sewing machine since 7th grade! I know that all good things must come to an end, but I have had so much fun. I am already starting my next board on pintrest for the next crafting spell.

Maleah swings for the first time

Maleah got to swing for the first time and boy did she love it! She was all smiles!

Fun while nana visits

Since Dave is in Afghanistan, Nana came to help out. Oh, was mommy ever so thankful!!! We have been very busy, with very important things such as scrapbooking, painting and shopping! Ha! Noah helped us paint the kitchen and make a few crafts which he enjoyed. Maleah has been getting lots of snuggles! Here are some pictures:

8 Month Stats

Well, Maleah had her 8 month appointment (this was early as they usually do 9 months) and here are the stats:
Height: 28 3/4in (95%)
Weight: 10 oz (99%)

Size 4 diapers getting tight...size 5 at night
Size 24 month clothing (fits some 18 mo)

Happy 8 Months to my baby girl!

Getting your hair did

Girl time at starbucks

To my dear sweet girl,

You are now 8 months old! You have done some major growing and changing this past month. From moving into new clothing sizes (you are in 24 month!) to eating solid foods three times a day you are becoming quite the big girl. This past month you have begun showing interest in crawling, so you will lay on your tummy and kick your feet out, and then get frustrated and scream. It won't be long. You are working on getting more teeth, but right now you have two. You still love solid food, and even chomped on a banana all by yourself. You like to roll onto your stomach in the middle of the night and then get stuck on your blanket and scream. That is a fun one for mommy! You have also had your first out of womb experience with a tornado. A few days ago we had to wake you from your nap and take you into the safe room while a tornado touched down two miles away. You were not too thrilled about being woke up and forced to sit in the shelter. You have learned how to clap your hands and wave hello. You love to wave at daddy when we skype with him. While eating you have been able to sign the word more to tell me what you want!
Whew! I don't think I can even keep up with you. What a great month! Keep up the hard work and you will be crawling and talking in no time.

I love you sweet girl!
Mom