Ma-Ma - Posting a little late.

Andrew has said his first word and it's Ma-Ma! On Wednesday, May 26th when he was 6 months and 1 day old, our little one started saying MaMa. It's the most wonderful sound I've ever heard! I'd love to say he came about this on his own, but for the last few weeks, I've been leaning over him in his bed and on the changing table saying Mamamamamamamamamamaaaa over and over again hoping that he would figure it out. And, he did! I knew he was a pretty quick learner and a great imitator, so I figured what the heck. And, it worked! Now, I'm on to Dadadadadadaaa. We'll see how long he takes to figure that one out.

Andrew's First Swim

Yesterday was the perfect day to introduce Andrew to the pool. Jeff turned the pool heater on yesterday morning to get it warmed up a little. I played tennis and when I got back Jeff and I watched the World Cup USA vs UK game and then it was time to go swimming! Lathered in 100 SPF, a "swimming diaper", a cool hat and a raft, we hit the door with a child who had no idea what was coming. But as usual, he was all smiles.

I was in charge of video and camera while Daddy and Andrew got in the pool. Turns out - Andrew is a huge fan of the pool. No tears, lots of splashing and even some laid back relaxing time on his new raft. We definitely have a water-baby on our hands. We are thrilled! Here are some pics of Andrew's first time in the pool.

Jeff putting Andrew in to the raft for the first time. 

A little look of uncertainty - but it passed pretty quickly. 

Yep - He likes it.

Laid back on the raft "just chillin"

All done!

We had a great time in the pool and the first time swimming was a huge success!

Growing Up So Fast

For the last few weeks, Andrew has been perfecting the "sit on your own" game. He has it figured out. Here are a few pictures of him at a BBQ that we attended last week.

I think the smirk is funny. 

He was pretty much done with picture time at that point.

6 months later...

6 months ago today, my life completely changed. I was blessed with a once in a lifetime chance to meet an amazing and extraordinary child who would change me in ways that I can't even put in to words. Andrew Grayson Walker brings such joy and excitement to anyone that he is around. I realize that I'm completely biased because I'm his mom, but I can honestly say that I've never seen such a happy baby. From 6 weeks on, he was constantly smiling and from 11 weeks on, he was constantly laughing. He is a child that seems to be able to find humor in every single situation. Being around that kind of happiness is contagious. That type of happiness makes you excited to live life to the fullest, use each day to make something of yourself and touch the lives of others in a good way. All of this is due to that little boy. I love so much about him and enjoy watching as he transitions in to each new phase of life. Thank you God for giving us such an amazing gift that I will love with all that I am, forever. I love you Drewster!

November 25, 2009 at 1:33pm - We Finally Meet!

5 Days Old and Sleeping With Daddy

One Month Old - Christmas Day & "The Rash"

2 Months Old - The Smiles Have Arrived

3 Months Old - "The Balding Phase"

4 Months Old - The Exploring Begins 

5 Months Old - Planning His Takeover

6 Months Old - Life Does Not Get Much Better Than This

Happy 6 Months Andrew! 

Mommy and Daddy love you so much!

Family Picture - Sort of?

We were at the doctor's office today for Andrew's 6 month well-visit (more information about that to come soon) and the nurse asked us if we wanted our picture taken while we waited for the doctor. Here it is...

Our kid is practically naked, I have no make-up on and horrible roots (explains the hat) and Jeff was about to play basketball. Not exactly the kind of family picture that you frame, but definitely one you can put on a blog!

The Celebration of 4 Years

Jeff and I celebrated our 4 year anniversary on May 11th. We've had a great 4 years and a lot has changed since our wedding day in Florida back in 2006. Jeff is now a full time student heading towards a Nursing degree. We are now the proud parents of what we consider to be the best baby in the entire world. Our partying ways have slowed down to almost a crawl and we now consider a fun night to be one that ends before midnight.

With as much that has changed, I tend to look at the last 4 years and think about our relationship and here is what I know...

1. I still love Jeff with all that I am and all that I have. He brings a balance to my life that gives me the strength and courage to take on anything.
2. I still get excited each day to wake up next to my best friend, my partner in life and the funniest person I've ever met.
3. I miss our going out and late night adventures but in exchange get to watch him with Andrew and that's a wonderful trade off in my opinion.
4. I have witnessed a young twenty something partying guy become this amazing man who has a positive outlook on life and an ever-growing desire to improve himself.
5. I still hate our fights and how mean we can be to each other - but the "I'm Sorry's" come a lot faster than they used to and the fights are fewer and fewer as the years go by.
6. After 10 years, he knows everything about me and I know everything about him. It is very comforting to have someone that close to you and to allow yourself to be that vulnerable with another person.
7. I love that we share the same interests and that we do this on purpose. It's a way for us to ensure we spend time together, while still getting to learn new things.
8.  I love that after dinner he will bring me a Hershey Kiss because he knows that I like to end my meal with something sweet.
9. I love that he actually brings me 3 Hershey Kisses because he knows that I can't eat just one.
10. We both know that marriage takes work, takes time and takes patience and we are both willing to give it all we have to make it work. That is all I can ask for in a marriage.

I have loved the last 4 years and look forward to our future together.

Jeff, I love you!

Lake House - Stat

Jeff and I decided that we needed to take a little vacation to get away from the house and spend some time with the family. Anyone who knows us is well aware that we have a house full of people all of the time. Our guest bedroom is like a hotel room with people coming and going all of the time. We absolutely love it, but sometimes we just want to get away and relax a little bit.

The next few weeks are going to be extremely hectic and today and tomorrow are the only days that we had available for a little get-away. I asked my wonderful, fantastic and awesome tennis partner and great friend, Stephanie, if I could use their lake house for 2 nights and she graciously said absolutely. So, we packed up the car and here we are.

Jeff and Andrew are taking a nap and I'm drinking a glass of wine and looking out at a beautiful lake. It's so relaxing and calming that when I'm here, I never want to leave. And, the greatest thing is that her lake house is only an hour from our house. It's perfect!

Here are a few pictures of our visit so far...

The rest of our trip will consist of the following...
Tonight's Dinner - Steaks on the grill with asparagus and mushrooms.
Some working by both of us - by the lake, of course.
Tomato and Mushroom Omelets for breakfast.
Maybe some jet ski time and some swimming off the dock. 
Good quality family time with no phone, no tv, no interruptions.
Tomorrow Night's Dinner - BBQ Ribs, Sauteed Peppers and a great Salad
Little bit more work
Early to bed!

I'm keeping the camera close and will post more pictures as we introduce Andrew to the lake. He has a new hat, 100 SPF sunblock, swim trunks and a cool float with a cover to protect the "pasty white skin" he got from his daddy.

Thanks Stephanie and Marc for letting us use your great lake house!