Fun with Birthday Toys

Once we got home from our travels in September, Drew had SO much fun getting to play with all of his new bday toys! You have to watch this video of him on the right. He LOVES playing with this toy, but I think most of all, he just likes the hammer. He goes around and "hammers" everything. Also in the video, you can see his mad ball throwing skills. Future pitcher anyone?? :)


I love my new ride!


When I get tired of playing with my toys, there is always the cabinets. I'm quite the inquisitive little one...which also means I get into trouble often.





Just too cute.


I like to read my books!




We get a lot of looks like this one. Drew points at something and says "dat"? He's very curious. He's constantly asking questions - "what's that" or in Drew language - "dat"?









After a hard day of playing, I need a nap. He loves his puppy and, of course, his thumb.

Go Vote!

I interrupt the pictures and Drew updates to encourage everyone to vote!

Never before have I lived in a state where I thought my single vote actually matter. Well, this is no longer true. Here in the state of NC, the presidential race is extremely close. While I know that my single vote will not all by itself influence the outcome of the US election, I do feel that every vote here in the state of NC will effect which way NC goes in the election.

With 15 electoral votes up for grabs, the state of NC has gotten attention in this presidential race like never before. So, our little state has become part of the "toss-up" states like FL, OH, and MO. Also important to note, the last time that NC voted Democrat in the presidential election was 1976. And, being a Republican, I find it disconcerting that this Southern state is at the moment leaning Obama.

As I was standing in line today to early-vote, many memories were brought to mind. I thought of when I was 18 and went with my Dad to the courthouse to vote for my first time. I was so excited and nervous! But, from that time until today, I must admit, I've had a very lackadaisical attitude toward the election process. But, for me, that changed today. As I stood in line, surprisingly, I was over-whelmed with emotion. At that moment, I was proud to be a US citizen and honored to have the right to vote. As my Econ teacher in high school used to say "it is not a RIGHT, it is a DUTY".

So, I'll get off my rant about voting, but I was proud to given the opportunity to vote in this election. And, I'll be keeping my fingers crossed until the winner is announced! It will be a long night at our house Nov 4th, since if you know my husband, he likes to stay up and watch the votes roll in. It's never over until it's over! I sat up with him as long as I could during the 2000 election, but noone can hang with this guy :).

Drew's 2nd birthday party

Drew was fortunate enough this year to get to have 2 birthday parties! We passed through TN on the way back home from our Labor Day trip to MS and got a chance to see Tim's family. So, we were all excited to have a 2nd party! I must say, this little puppy dog cake was delicious!















Drew loves this little car.





Tim, Drew, and cousin Cooper.






Drew had a great first birthday! How many kids get to have 2 parties for their birthday? Of course, we told him not to expect multiple parties every year :).

More fun in MS

We stayed a few days in MS over Labor Day, here are some more pics.







Drew and Papa having a quiet talk.







Drew and Dad.






Me and Drew.



This is my unhappy/mad face. See, not always smiling.




Drew and Nonnie.






I had to go on a work trip while we were in MS. So, Tim and Drew took the opportunity to run up to Memphis to see some dear friends. I just love this picture of Drew. He's just hanging out at the Nobles house. He looks so big in this picture in the big boy chair. Man, flash-forward another 2-3 years and this will be my little baby sitting at the table while I make breakfast - no more high chairs :(.

It's my Birthday....

And, my mash cake.



Well, it was his birthday anyway. Mama is late (as usual) posting the pics. Well, since we were back in MS over Labor Day, we decided to have Drew's bday party a little early to accomodate everyone. And, lucky him, this way he ended up getting to have multiple parties!

One thing you may notice throughout these pictures - Drew wasn't exactly thrilled to be having a party. The litle stinker barely smiled at all :(. Maybe it was because he was tired from not napping all day? Could be. Oh well.

Drew with Nonnie.


Graham, Drew, Nonnie, and Poppi.


Justin, Rebecca, and Graham.


Me, Dad, and Drew.


Our little family.



Aunt Kiley and Granny.








All the kiddos.









Future MSU grad.



Graham thought he should help out, since he was in training for his own bday party in a couple of months :).


Me and Rebecca.









Time for the Party!


I REALLY don't like this hat Mom!



A little better, but I still don't like the bib either.


Papa, what is this stuff?












Why are my hands blue?










I'm done! Get me out of here!!





Still don't like the hat.









Yeah, the party is over. I enjoyed my bday, but I really need a nap.

I love this little man

I am completely smitten and hopelessly in love with this little guy. He has certainly got his mama wrapped around his finger. When he looks at me and says "Mama" or when he crawls over to show me something or pull up beside me, aahhh...my heart melts. I've gotten all sentimental now that he's one, and I'm afraid that these days are passing too quickly. I'd hate to look back at this special time and realize that I forgot to just stop and enjoy my son. We've had a lot of time to bond here lately, and I think we may be buds :).

I know this next year will pass even more quickly than his first. And, I know that one day soon he'll not want me to hold him, and I won't be his buddy anymore. But, for now, I'm trying to steal all of the hugs and kisses that he'll allow. Which, as he's becoming more mobile and stronger, is getting more difficult to do :(.

I can only imagine how it will feel when he's actually able to look at me and tell me he loves me back. I'm sure I'll really cry on that day :).