Four months!

Levi B.,

Wow! These last few weeks have brought one milestone after another!

You are able to push up really well now, and a few weeks ago, you began rolling over from your tummy on to your back. The first time you did it, I think my shriek of joy scared you, but I couldn't help it - I was so excited! When your daddy came home a few hours later, you wasted no time in showing off for him.

You are sleeping pretty well in your crib now. You've started thumping with your legs when you are ready to get up. It's almost like a dolphin smacking the water with its fin. WHAM! No matter where we are in the house, whether upstairs or downstairs, we can hear the thump. You have some strong legs, sir!

Almost daily, you are exploring new vocal octaves. Some days you shriek with laughter, and some days it's like you are practicing going up and down the musical scale.We've tried to capture these precious conversations on video, and we have had some success, but if you happen to catch a glimpse of the camera's recording indicator, you are immediately captivated and all conversation stops.

Lately, you have really begun taking an interest in the things around you. When your daddy reads to you, you are mesmerized by the colors on the pages and the sound the board books make when you touch them. We've adjusted your stroller seat to a more seated position, and you take everything in while we are on walks.

You have started responding to your daddy and me a little bit differently, which is really cute. Your daddy can get more laughs out of you, whole-belly laughs, and you grin every time he talks to you. But if I'm in the room anywhere, you will find me immediately with your eyes, and continually watch me.

Last month, I reported that you had begun grabbing things. Well, this month you've taken it to a new level! You not only grab things in front of you, but you are now reaching for things. When we put you in the Bumbo seat, I have to be sure there isn't anything within reaching distance, or you'll have your fingers around it before I realize what's happened!

We dedicated you at church on Mother's Day. Lots our friends and family prayed over you, and it was a very special time for our family. And, this month you helped your father celebrate turning 30!

The only downside to report is that you caught your first cold last week. But, I suppose it had to happen sooner or later.

Your blonde hair has really started growing in, and you get more adorable every day. Everything we do with you gets more and more fun. We love you, little man!

Love,

Mama

Your good friend, Charlotte Lee, loaned you her swing, and it's become one of your favorite napping spots:

Our little Gap baby, thanks to Grammy and Grandy:

So serious! And so handsome, like daddy:

You and daddy having some laughs together:

Sick day

Oh, how times have changed! Yesterday, Gib had to take a sick day in order to stay home so that I could have a sick day. I know that this may not be an option every time, but I'm so grateful it was this time around. After a full day of sleep, I feel like a new woman! And, I think the boys had a fun day together, too.

Birthday!

Someone wanted to wish his Grandpa a happy birthday!

Remember this little guy?

Here he is now with his birthday smile for you!

Hope your day is great!

Friday Night Lights...Out

I came upstairs on Friday evening to find this:

One of my boys is suffering from an unfortunate cold. The other, I think, might be suffering from "Equip final exam" fatigue!

Birthday boy

Today calls for celebration! Gib has officially hit the big 3-0 milestone! I am so thankful, each and every day, to be married to such an amazing guy. He is a man of character, he loves Jesus, he is an incredible daddy, and nine years after meeting him, he's as funny and handsome as ever. GP3, you still rock my world. Happy birthday!

Sunday Funday

For about three months, our church service has moved to a 5 p.m. start time so that we could meet in a different building while our normal venue was being used by Norman North High School (we typically meet in NNHS performing arts center). This has actually been a nice change, as it has allowed us to enjoy a full day of family time together. Saturdays usually bring some sort of activity or commitment, so we have really tried to make Sunday our day of rest together.

Levi is coming out of another growth spurt which, when googled, lists a main symptom as "sleep regression." That pretty much sums up our last week! So today, Gib's gift to me was letting me take multiple-hour naps in between feedings while he was on Daddy Duty. And let me tell you, this is one amazing gift! I feel refreshed!

However, when witnessing my boys reading together, it was hard to make myself go to sleep! How sweet is this?!

A family weekend

I realize I am a few days late in posting about our weekend, but what a fun weekend it was! Gib's siblings and mom came to visit, and my parents came for Mother's Day and Levi's baby dedication. I am so fortunate to see my parents more often than Gib sees his, but now that his parents are relocating back to Kansas from Colorado, we hope to get to visit with them in person more frequently. Levi was full of smiles with his Aunt Kim, Uncle Brian and Grandma:

Aunt Kim bought this onesie, so we thought it appropriate for Levi to wear it! So cute.

We are so blessed to both have such great moms. It was wonderful to see them both this Mother's Day. I know neither of us tell our mom often enough just how special they are, so I'm glad to have a holiday just for them. Moms, we love you so much! You are amazing!

Even though I see my parents regularly, it's still a treat each time they come down. My mom continues to visit weekly, which is a huge blessing. She watches Levi while Gib and I go to our EQUIP class, and also gives me a chance to run errands during the afternoons. She's definitely helped me keep my sanity during these first few months! THANK YOU!

Happy Mother's Day!

I love that this is what I get to look at every day. Hello, there!

Happy Mother's Day, indeed!

Family night out

Last night, the family Park attended our church's volunteer banquet, entitled "A Night with the Stars." Since the attire was semi-formal, we took the time to get all gussied up, which I think was the first time that has happened since January. I pulled out a black dress and jewelry (gasp!), and Gib looked dashing in a collared shirt and slacks. We even dressed Levi in his tie onesie. The night was our oyster!

Here we are arriving on the red carpet:

The program was hilarious, the food was delicious, and the company at our table was enjoyable. But, if we needed any reminder of what can happen when an infant is out past his bedtime, we received it in full. It took seconds to go from this:

to this:

Suffice it to say that Levi cared neither for the loud emcee-ing nor the clapping and cheering. Even a trip behind the red carpet with dad and Josh didn't cheer him up:

Lesson learned!

D Mo G

I don't know where it started or why, but growing up, one of my many nicknames for my father was "D Mo G." Well, this weekend, D Mo G accomplished quite a feat - this fifty-six year old man ran a half-marathon! For those of you not acquainted with this race, that would be 13.1 miles! And not only did he run, he ran in miserable conditions. Pouring rain and cold wind accompanied him the entire way. Fortunately, he finished before the hail began!

So proud of you, dad!