And the Oscar Goes To...

Last night's Oscars inspired me to go through some old videos of mine. Okay, not really but I did upload several of them recently and I can't believe that I didn't post this one taken in early January. This is when J-man was really into initiating Peek-a-Boo. Initially, I had no idea what he was doing when he would crouch behind furniture, only later to pop up with a smile. Although a little late, I thought this should be posted as his film debut. Don't mind the narration, and his little fall at the end :-)

Nine Nixes in North Carolina

Now that's a lot of Nixes...and 5 of them are children! Jeff's brother and his wife, along with their four children came for a visit last weekend. We had a blast and Judah loved hanging out with his cousins. It was a perfect weekend!

The kids especially loved the North Carolina Museum of Life and Science....well, the adults did, too, as you see from the pics below.

Jman had tons of fun, too! Baby Finley even got in on some of the action, and Carly was a great helper!

By the end of the day, someone was tired.

Judah had so much fun with his "big boy" cousins, too!

They even gave him some pretty cool early birthday gifts, and enjoyed helping him to open.

I love my Uncle Scott & Aunt Carrie...and my stick :-) 

Thank you for coming to visit! Can't wait to come see you in Ohio!!!

He Walks! (02.22.2011)

Eleven Fun Facts from an Eleven Month Old

Hi Everyone! It's me, Judah, again...been a while. I have a really big day coming up in March, so before I emerge from baby-land into toddler-land, I wanted to share some fun facts about me....11 as a matter of fact, because Mama says that's how old  I am (in months, anyway :-)

1. I am big. I'm not sure exactly how big (mom says we won't know until my 12-month doctor's appointment). I do know that I am taller and heavier than most babies my age, though. I like that...because I am strong....and I am healthy....and I am growing. 

2. I am taking steps by myself! Mama and Dada usually have to ask me, though, while holding something I really want. I mean, it's a lot of work, but it excites me and one of these days I'm going to be brave and just go without Mama and Dada asking me.

3. I do like to do one thing on my own and that's CLIMB. It is so! much! fun! I love to climb all the way up the stairs in my house, and up my bookcase, and the baby gate, and I sometimes try to climb up my crib. I don't know why but this seems to scare my Mama. I know that she and Dada have recognized my skills, though, because I heard them talking about signing me up for rock/wall climbing and repelling lessons when I get a bit older....awesome.

4. Speaking of Mama and Dada...I say their name... a lot...and now, I think they even know that I'm talking to them! It is really cool and makes them smile really big. I also sometimes say "baby" when I see them in a picture or real life...I think they are cute and fun! And my favorite sound to make is "roooarr," just like a lion or a tiger.

5. Allie-dog is my best pal. I love when she gives me kisses, and I even share my food with her. Hmmm...maybe that's why we are best buds now?!

6. I have two new teeth for a total of 6 now. They hurt a lot when they came and I am not looking forward to many more months of this (I heard Mama say I have a lot more to go!) However, I know they are good things and help me eat yummy food.

7. Speaking of food, I am eating pretty much all "big-boy" food now. I love it...especially chicken, pasta, toast, pancakes, broccoli, potatoes, green beans, and blueberries...it is so much better than the "mush" Mama had been feeding me!

8. My new favorite game is "chase." Mama and Dada catch me every time, but it sure is fun getting them to run after me! I also love "Pat-a-Cake" and "If You're Happy and You Know It, Clap Your Hands." Now that one really attracts the ladies ;-)

9. I am obsessed with lights and how they work. It fascinates me when Mama and Dada turn them on and off...sometimes on the lamp itself and sometimes from a switch on the wall...very cool.

10. I love to sleep. I sleep all through the night and also take two naps a day. I've heard my Mama say that this makes her happy. Don't know why, but it sure does make me a happy baby. As long as I have Shasta (that's my sheep) and my crib, I am good to go!

11. I am ready for Spring and Summer. It's been really warm at my house for the last  few weeks and I've had so much fun outside! I have a feeling I am really going to like the warmer weather...especially since I don't like to wear socks or shoes and always pull them off :-)

Well, that's it from me...final thoughts as a baby. Next time I capture Mama's blog, I'll be a toddler...watch out world!

Love, Judah

Play Date with a Valentine

Although we didn't do a whole of celebrating on Valentine's Day due to our home inspection occurring on the 14th, we did invite one of Judah's Valentine's, Kennedy, over yesterday for a little mid-day fun. So thankful for making memories with good friends on beautiful Carolina days!

Kennedy thought the heart-shaped muffins were "yummy!"And she really liked Judah's chair :-)

Meanwhile, Judah thought his fire truck was yummy :-) 

They play so well together!

We took advantage of the weather and went to the neighborhood park. Judah wasn't sure about his first swing experience, but he and Kennedy sure did have some great times just "hangin' out"...as well as some invigorating conversations.

Sleepy babes in their Bobs.

What a fun day!

Belated Birthday Wishes

Okay, so I'm a little late (are you noticing a theme?!) but my amazing husband had a birthday exactly one week ago~when this post was originally intended to be published. Well, a lot happened last week...the major event....drum roll, please....we have a contract on our house! Huge blessing that I will write about in the near future. For now, I'd like to focus on Jeff, the absolute best thing that has ever happened to me. Thus, I am forever grateful for the day of his birth. His positivity, joyfulness, and wisdom inspire me each and every day, and I am a better woman because of it. He is honest, communicative, forgiving, and terribly funny...for all these reasons, our marriage is beautiful. He truly is my better half, and this birthday is extra special because it reminds me how awesome it has been to see him father our precious son. Jeff's love for Judah makes my love for Jeff stronger and our love for each other deeper.

Truly. Grateful. For. This. Man. 

Love this pic that was taken on the way out the door for our DC weekend to look for a new place to live...excited about the next chapter in our lives!

Unfortunately, after leaving for work at 5am, Jeff arrived home on his birthday around midnight. After a hard day, we still managed to celebrate with some cake, bubbly, cards and gifts.

Here he is embarrassed by my solo performance of the "Happy Birthday" song while taking pictures of him.

And I love this one, too, because he is sentimental reading his card from Judah.

On most days, however, Jeff makes it home to feed, bathe, and rock our little one to sleep. These two boys are crazy together! And crazy about each other, I might add...can't you tell?!

Post-bath kisses

Pure Sweetness

Happy Birthday Dada!

Get It Sold!

I cannot believe this is now in our yard. 

We've been in this home for almost 5 years now. In some ways, it seems like the blink of an eye and in some ways it seems as if we've lived here forever. While it's been far from my dream home, I feel like in a way Jeff and I have grown up here....our first huge purchase together with lots of responsibility; our comfort after long, tough days working our first "real" jobs; a place of refuge and escape during our darkest days of grief and loss; and now a place with new life, filled with crazy love and loud laughter; and most importantly, our first son's first home. Although Judah will never remember this place, his mom and dad certainly will~with the fondest of memories. For now, he's just excited about getting. it. sold. Wish us luck!