Seems like we're hitting them weekly now... I keep thinking Whitley Ann is just brilliant (and she may be), but then I'm also realizing this is my first child that is full term, so she's not working so hard just to catch up like Naylor and Lalon did.
Whitley Ann is now mobile at 6.5 months old!! I'm not quite sure that you can really say she's crawling, but she is absolutely mobile. I had her on the floor in the kitchen while I was cooking the other day, Naylor and Lalon playing in the play room, and when I look over she's gone. Wait. Whitley Ann's gone. Ummm.... I'm pretty sure I left her right there. Oh, there she is in the play room. Wait a minute... how'd she get in there?? Well she just wiggled her little self right on in there to get in on the action! It's a mixture of army crawling, pulling, pushing off - it is absolutely not the prettiest, nor the smoothest movement you've ever laid eyes on, but she's absolutely going - there's no doubt about that!
Imagine my surprise when I'm pacing her on the same track as Naylor and Lalon that both crawled (and got their first tooth) at 9 months... maybe she'll be pulling up at 9 months, who knows!
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Whitley Ann 6 month photos
The proofs are up for just a few more days; check them out!
www.MichelleStudios.com
click Client Slideshow and password is: whitley (all lowercase)
www.MichelleStudios.com
click Client Slideshow and password is: whitley (all lowercase)
Monday, September 19, 2011
Happy 3rd Birthday Naylor!
Our sweet boy is now 3 and I'm looking back at pictures remembering all the fun we've had. I'm torn between the feelings of it's gone by so fast, but it's also hard to remember what we did before we had Naylor! We celebrated all weekend and well into the week and I believe he had a great time and certainly was well taken care of in the gift department!
Sunday afternoon we had the family over to celebrate with a Toy Story themed party, aka Woody party. Toy Story (1, 2 and 3) are all family favorites at the Higgins' home these days. About a month ago I asked Naylor what kind of party he wanted (John Deere, NC State or Woody) and he quickly decided Woody. He also told me that Lalon wanted a princess party, she concurred, so that's her theme next month!
Grandpa, Grandma T and Aunt Kerri had sent a wonderful package stuffed full of the Toy Story gang as well as an official Woody uniform. Brian and I had gotten him some John Deere cowboy boots and after getting all of this gear on, he did not want to take it off - he was loving it!
So, everyone came over to play and eat dinner with us and we had a good time. Naylor and Lalon had a lot of fun playing in the back yard with cousins Ava James and Anna (Ella and Whitley Ann were here too, but just not as interactive yet - I'm sure next year will be a different story!). After eating some chili and baked potatoes, we had some Woody and Buzz cake and more presents! I didn't think that was possible after the morning round, but it was and everyone had gotten the note about Toy Story. Naylor now has an awesome collection of Toy Story garb; while it's our favorite, he really didn't have any 'stuff', but we have since remedied that.
Monday was Naylor's actual birthday and his second favorite these days is the Lion King. Randomly enough it has been re-released in theaters, so Brian met us and we took all the kids to see it on the big screen. Luckily we were thinking and going on a Monday at 5pm was perfect - only two other folks in the theater. Naylor and Lalon did great, sitting in their booster seats eating popcorn. When there was about 30 minutes left, Lalon and Whitley Ann got a bit restless, but since the theater was practically empty, they were able to walk around without causing distractions.
Oh! How could I forget!! Monday morning, Naylor wanted birthday cake for breakfast... and I let him have it - I'm getting weak and these kids are wearing me down - ha!
It was a great weekend of celebration. Brian and I realize every day how blessed we have been to have Naylor in our lives; to have all of our children - that does not go unnoticed by any means. I'm so grateful for these beautiful blessings and doing my best not to mess them up - I'll get back to you in about 25 years to let you know how that worked out... :)
Happy Birthday Naylor - we love you more than you'll ever know (until you have your own kids of course).
- Mama and Daddy
Some pics below as well as a link to lots of party pics - hope the link works!
Naylor's 3rd Birthday
Sunday afternoon we had the family over to celebrate with a Toy Story themed party, aka Woody party. Toy Story (1, 2 and 3) are all family favorites at the Higgins' home these days. About a month ago I asked Naylor what kind of party he wanted (John Deere, NC State or Woody) and he quickly decided Woody. He also told me that Lalon wanted a princess party, she concurred, so that's her theme next month!
Grandpa, Grandma T and Aunt Kerri had sent a wonderful package stuffed full of the Toy Story gang as well as an official Woody uniform. Brian and I had gotten him some John Deere cowboy boots and after getting all of this gear on, he did not want to take it off - he was loving it!
So, everyone came over to play and eat dinner with us and we had a good time. Naylor and Lalon had a lot of fun playing in the back yard with cousins Ava James and Anna (Ella and Whitley Ann were here too, but just not as interactive yet - I'm sure next year will be a different story!). After eating some chili and baked potatoes, we had some Woody and Buzz cake and more presents! I didn't think that was possible after the morning round, but it was and everyone had gotten the note about Toy Story. Naylor now has an awesome collection of Toy Story garb; while it's our favorite, he really didn't have any 'stuff', but we have since remedied that.
Monday was Naylor's actual birthday and his second favorite these days is the Lion King. Randomly enough it has been re-released in theaters, so Brian met us and we took all the kids to see it on the big screen. Luckily we were thinking and going on a Monday at 5pm was perfect - only two other folks in the theater. Naylor and Lalon did great, sitting in their booster seats eating popcorn. When there was about 30 minutes left, Lalon and Whitley Ann got a bit restless, but since the theater was practically empty, they were able to walk around without causing distractions.
Oh! How could I forget!! Monday morning, Naylor wanted birthday cake for breakfast... and I let him have it - I'm getting weak and these kids are wearing me down - ha!
It was a great weekend of celebration. Brian and I realize every day how blessed we have been to have Naylor in our lives; to have all of our children - that does not go unnoticed by any means. I'm so grateful for these beautiful blessings and doing my best not to mess them up - I'll get back to you in about 25 years to let you know how that worked out... :)
Happy Birthday Naylor - we love you more than you'll ever know (until you have your own kids of course).
- Mama and Daddy
Some pics below as well as a link to lots of party pics - hope the link works!
Naylor's 3rd Birthday
Birthday cake for breakfast!
Last night as a 2 yr old - with all his buddies of course.
partying with Mama and Whitley Ann
He blew out the candles right on cue!
Woody, Jessie and Buzz Lightyear
Howdy, howdy, howdy!
Lalon and Naylor eating popcorn at the movies (taken with my phone)
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Just another day
and loving every minute of it!
Game day ready! Naylor loves his new NCSU 'hip hops' (flip flops)
Lalon and Naylor made pigs in a blanket for dinner - some are rolled, tucked, cocooned - it was fun!
a little teamwork
First meal with all 5 of us sitting at the table
Whitley Ann going for seconds!
Monday, September 12, 2011
A note from Grandma Ketten
I guess technically speaking, Grandma Ketten is Brian's step grandmother and the kids' step great grandmother (it's Grandma T's mama), but I just think of her as family. She sends us notes and cards and gifts for the children and I know we are loved by her, no doubt. I try to be good and send cards and pictures of the family to her as well and I seem to go in cycles with that - sometimes I'm all over it, mailing things monthly and then I go through spurts where it stays on my to-do list a little too long... right now I'm in the to-do list cycle. Anyway, I was going through the mail and we'd gotten this note and devotion book from Grandma Ketten and as I'm catching up on the mail / bills / filing, I see her note. It's funny how once you put your mind to something, then you see that everywhere - for instance, if you decide to buy a car, then suddenly you see that type of car all over the place. Grandma Ketten's note spoke to me a little louder than usual this time and I thought it was good enough to share with you...
Now summer is quickly passing and time has run out for planning adventures that qualify for vacation and fun (out of daily grind). Now it is time to once more dedicate ourselves to productive things called WORK. What did you do so far? For you? For others? For Jesus? As we look back we will find what we've done so far this year and how few months are left to do what needs to be done and what we've neglected (or put off) to do. He hasn't forgotten you! And in spite of problems and circumstances which may have come, we need to refocus on Him - the most important One. Been to church lately? Read your Bible daily? (That's your guide-book you know). Prayed at least twice per day? (Pray without ceasing?) Given God and Jesus Thanks for ALL things continually (both good and bad considered)? They are working on and for you 24 / 7. Take the time answer the questions and please them for their constant love for and to you!
Love you - get going!
Grandma Ketten
Now summer is quickly passing and time has run out for planning adventures that qualify for vacation and fun (out of daily grind). Now it is time to once more dedicate ourselves to productive things called WORK. What did you do so far? For you? For others? For Jesus? As we look back we will find what we've done so far this year and how few months are left to do what needs to be done and what we've neglected (or put off) to do. He hasn't forgotten you! And in spite of problems and circumstances which may have come, we need to refocus on Him - the most important One. Been to church lately? Read your Bible daily? (That's your guide-book you know). Prayed at least twice per day? (Pray without ceasing?) Given God and Jesus Thanks for ALL things continually (both good and bad considered)? They are working on and for you 24 / 7. Take the time answer the questions and please them for their constant love for and to you!
Love you - get going!
Grandma Ketten
Reality check...
I guess it being the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11th have been causing me to reflect a little more on my life, my blessings and my priorities. I've been getting back into reading for fun over the past year and recently have read two books that are along the spiritual lines, one being The Shack by William P. Young and the other Heaven is For Real by Todd Burpo; completely different stories, but they do raise the awareness of faith. I highly suggest Heaven is For Real to any and everyone and The Shack I'm still reflecting on - I'm still not sure how I feel about this book, but it certainly has me thinking!
I was reading a blog yesterday and one of the bloggers was remembering those lost in 9/11 (she actually lived in NYC at the time so knew of folks impacted by this), but was also remembering others that have dealt with great loss and I thought it was well put that while the events of 9/11 were absolutely horrific and tragic, no doubt, no denying that; it has changed our world forever, loss is loss and the important thing is to remember those that are no longer with us regardless of what day they may have been taken from this world. What I think may be even more important is to let those that are still here know that they are important and loved. Here's a link to this particular post - I'm not sure how I even ran across this blog originally, but she's funny and it's nice to read someone else's shenanigans that are simple tasks that can turn in to adventures with little ones along for the ride. http://www.mamabirddiaries.com/the-mamabird-diaries/and-on-this-day-we-remember/
Anyway, in reading of these people that have lost children and loved ones and watching news coverage of the attacks that September day 10 years ago, it has just shaken me a tiny bit to remember that it's a blessing to be here every day. It's a blessing to have these 3 most perfect little gifts in my life and it's a blessing to have a partner to join me on this adventure we are experiencing. It's so easy to get caught up in the every day minutia of busy-ness... of nothing really... what is so important that we're rushing around for? To get to the store? To eat exactly at 6 every night? To have the nicest things that are simply that, things? To have the cleanest house? Nah, it's about living and being and relationships and I'm going to make a better effort to make those things the priority of my life and let go of the little things that are truly that, just little things. It's time to refocus on the big picture - details are nice indeed - but it's the big picture that needs to be brought back into the focus of my life at this time.
I certainly spent time yesterday remembering that day 10 years earlier and all the emotions it brought with it then and even still now. It makes me sad to think that this can be a scary world we live in, but also makes me want to be a better person and to raise my children in house full of love and absent of prejudices. After all that reading last night my mind was racing and I spent a little longer checking on each of the children before going to bed... gave a few extra kisses and said a few extra prayers.
My aunt shared this Bible verse yesterday and thought it appropriate for the day:
PSALM 46 GOD is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear....
I was reading a blog yesterday and one of the bloggers was remembering those lost in 9/11 (she actually lived in NYC at the time so knew of folks impacted by this), but was also remembering others that have dealt with great loss and I thought it was well put that while the events of 9/11 were absolutely horrific and tragic, no doubt, no denying that; it has changed our world forever, loss is loss and the important thing is to remember those that are no longer with us regardless of what day they may have been taken from this world. What I think may be even more important is to let those that are still here know that they are important and loved. Here's a link to this particular post - I'm not sure how I even ran across this blog originally, but she's funny and it's nice to read someone else's shenanigans that are simple tasks that can turn in to adventures with little ones along for the ride. http://www.mamabirddiaries.com/the-mamabird-diaries/and-on-this-day-we-remember/
Anyway, in reading of these people that have lost children and loved ones and watching news coverage of the attacks that September day 10 years ago, it has just shaken me a tiny bit to remember that it's a blessing to be here every day. It's a blessing to have these 3 most perfect little gifts in my life and it's a blessing to have a partner to join me on this adventure we are experiencing. It's so easy to get caught up in the every day minutia of busy-ness... of nothing really... what is so important that we're rushing around for? To get to the store? To eat exactly at 6 every night? To have the nicest things that are simply that, things? To have the cleanest house? Nah, it's about living and being and relationships and I'm going to make a better effort to make those things the priority of my life and let go of the little things that are truly that, just little things. It's time to refocus on the big picture - details are nice indeed - but it's the big picture that needs to be brought back into the focus of my life at this time.
I certainly spent time yesterday remembering that day 10 years earlier and all the emotions it brought with it then and even still now. It makes me sad to think that this can be a scary world we live in, but also makes me want to be a better person and to raise my children in house full of love and absent of prejudices. After all that reading last night my mind was racing and I spent a little longer checking on each of the children before going to bed... gave a few extra kisses and said a few extra prayers.
My aunt shared this Bible verse yesterday and thought it appropriate for the day:
PSALM 46 GOD is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear....
Whitley Ann 6 months old
Whitley Ann was 6 months old a week ago today and this past Friday I took her to the pediatrician for her 6 month well check. She got a perfect report and was just as happy as she could be while we were there (except immediately after the shots!).
She is just the happiest baby - I thought Naylor and Lalon were both good babies and thought Lalon was quite happy and smiley, but I do believe Miss Whitley Ann has them all beat! She just loves to be around people and actually, if she gets fussy it's generally when it's too quiet or she thinks she's been left alone. Guess she's used to a rowdy house with the four of us constantly around her.
Current things she's doing:
She is just the happiest baby - I thought Naylor and Lalon were both good babies and thought Lalon was quite happy and smiley, but I do believe Miss Whitley Ann has them all beat! She just loves to be around people and actually, if she gets fussy it's generally when it's too quiet or she thinks she's been left alone. Guess she's used to a rowdy house with the four of us constantly around her.
Current things she's doing:
- Rolling over both ways all the time - I'll lay her on her back at night and almost immediately she'll roll over to her side or belly.
- Grabs her feet and likes to nibble on her toes.
- Sitting up on her own; she's doing really great with this, but I'm nervous so I always have a bunch of pillows around her just in case she tumbles over!
- Doing super with her tummy time and even starting to army crawl just a tiny bit to reach for a toy.
- She loves bath time with Naylor and Lalon and loves to kick her legs around to splash.
- She's still a great sleeper, going 12-13 hrs at night and then a 2-4hr nap during the day.
6 month stats:
17 lbs, 4 oz (75%)
26" (55%)
She has had some rice cereal here and there and always does great with it, but Mommy isn't quite so consistent with it and Dr. Artman said it was time to get that going.... SO, last night we tried sweet potatoes and she enjoyed them. I even brought the booster seat in and set it up, so I'm going to try to be better about having a set dinner time for Whitley Ann as well as the rest of us. I guess I was holding out as long as possible, as it seems the last 6 months have just gone by in the blink of an eye and my baby is slipping away already.
Waiting for Dr. Artman at her 6 month well check.
Bored waiting, so thought she'd have a snack.
Look at those blue eyes! I can't get over them... the rest of us all have green eyes.
Such a sweet, sweet girl and a beautiful blessing in my life.
Whitley Ann's first food - sweet potatoes - 9.11.11
thinking about it...
I *love* this face.
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