Aunt Leigh comes to town!

What a fun, fun, fun, fun weekend! My sister spent four glorious days here, and getting to see her was a highlight of my summer. For the past few years, she's been brightening lives (and saving them, too) on the East Coast. She hadn't seen Levi since he was just a few weeks old. And, after spending the majority of our lives within walking or a short driving distance from each other, my soul feels rejuvenated in getting some quality sister time!

Granted, the heat outside is enough to zap even the most energized feeling and half the places we went to didn't have efficient air conditioning, but I just told her that I wanted her to get an authentic experience of an Oklahoma summer lest she forget what that feels like.

It was a weekend chalk full of wedding-related activities, and she made the most of her time here (read: I'm not sure she's slept much?). Over the course of four days, we had her trial hair/make-up salon appointment, bachelorette party, couples shower in OKC, bridal shower in our hometown and meetings with the wedding venue, caterer, florist and videographer. WHEW! In just over a month, she'll officially become Dr./Mrs. Peek! Hooray!

Love you, sister!

This last picture is precious because the three of us grew up together at "Mary's School." Mary was our babysitter until we started kindergarten, while our moms worked. She was able to come to Leigh's shower, so we had a reunion!

Six months!

Dearest Deuteronomy,

Six months! WOW! When we look back over the last half-year, we see how much you have changed and developed, and we are amazed. Every day is a new day with you in what you are discovering, and you are the happiest baby. I can't get enough of that brilliant smile!

You had your first overnight stay without us this month. While we initially planned to take you to Thailand with us, we prayed about it and decided that you should instead spend the time at Grammy and Grandy's house. You did so well!

You are sleeping like a champ these days. We can take you anywhere, and you remain flexible about where you sleep: in the car seat on road trips, in the pack n' play at our friends' houses, and in either bedroom here at home. We consistently get comments on what a great temperament you have.

Your "discovery mode" continues, and it is SO MUCH FUN! You notice everything around you, and you want to hold or feel anything that seems to be within reach. This includes anything that your daddy or I have in our hands, so it becomes a sort of game to take a drink while holding you without you grabbing our cup.

You are so close to sitting up completely on your own. You have great balance, and when being carried, you hold both arms out, not holding on to the person carrying you. It's so cute! You have also figured out how to be a man on the move while on your back. Whether it's your playmat or in your crib, we love to watch you turn completely around or move from one side to another.

A huge milestone this month is that you have begun eating solid foods. At this point, you have experienced rice cereal and sweet potatoes, and it's hilarious to feed you. You make some pretty entertaining faces as you experience the new textures, and of course half of your meal ends up on the rest of your body.

We love you so much! Life with you is quite the adventure, and we wouldn't have it any other way.

Love,

Mom

These first few pics are from an impromptu photo session with our incredibly talented friend, Taylor at Taylor Jill Designs/HolliB Photography:

Have I mentioned how much we love those cheeks?

Napping on the couch. It's been so hot this summer that this is a typical "outfit" for you!

Sweet potatoes!

Your daddy loves to match... and it looks like you do, too!

Pool time!

Home sweet home

Team Park has returned home! We apologize for the delay in posting anything new, but upon our return, we dealt with both jet lag and "baby lag," both of which involve erratic sleep schedules.

We are still processing our adventures in Thailand, but I will say that we were both touched deeply by our time there. It is no exaggeration to say that we will never be the same. Over the next few weeks, we'll recount some of our favorite stories and provide more details about what our trip was like.

I am happy to report that we returned to a growing, very joyful baby boy, as we knew we would. Grammy and Grandy did an amazing job taking care of him, and even Grandma and Grandpa got to drive down and spend some time with him. He was well loved while we were gone!

It's hard to believe that this little man will be six months old next week. We are enjoying every minute of being back with him!

Thanks to Taylor at Taylor Jill Designs/HolliB photography for yet another great photo!