Katie and the Boys

Logan's changes...

2012-01-21T18:37:00.002-05:00

My boys are constantly growing and changing, and sometimes I wish I could just freeze time for a bit (and then there are the times I would like to fast-forward ;)). Anyhow, the last week has been a big one for Logan, so I wanted to share. The big week started on Monday night when the boys and I were working through a sharing issue right inside the door to the hall bathroom. Everyone ended up in good spirits, obviously learning important lessons (this is what I have to tell myself), and we were ready to play again! Logan turned quickly and smashed his face into the corner (thank goodness it was a rounded corner) of the hall table. I tried to hide my gasp, but was waiting for the blood. He screamed and grabbed his face, but not much blood came. I did notice, however, that there were 2 perfectly copied imprints of Logan's teeth in the table. Then I knew what happened. Poor boy cried and cried and cried. Of course this happened about an hour before bedtime, so we pushed through with some Motrin and extra love as he struggled to get to sleep.

We ended up at the dentist the next day at their only available time...,naptime. Logan was thrilled to be missing his nap and going on an adventure with Mommy while Grandma stayed at the house while Connor slept. Anyhow, after a little restraint and some x-rays, we decided to just leave his teeth alone for now. The affected teeth were 2 baby teeth right in the front. They have been pushed up and back (pointing towards the back of his mouth), which for now is just an aesthetic issue, so we opted to avoid any traumatic adjustments. They fortunately are just shy of interfering with his permanent teeth above, so we are hoping things will stay like this. If the permanent teeth get involved we will have his baby teeth pulled. Logan was fine with all of this news, until Dr. Cara told Mommy that he could no longer use his NUK. Logan has been using his NUK (what he calls his pacifier) at naptime and bedtime for the last year as we tried to wean him off. Well, time for cold turkey, and I was happy to have a medical excuse to help me out.

Surprisingly, Logan has done very well, only asking occasionally for the NUK and then asking me why he couldn't have it. He hasn't thrown any fits about it, and is sleeping well without it! I think he understands they idea that Dr. Cara said it was hurting his teeth. I am so glad to be working our way away from this, and am already thinking about how challenging it will be with Connor our thumb sucker.

Our other change this week is no naps for Logan. Today is the 5th day in a row that the child hasn't napped. I have to admit that I have been dreading this as naptime is important to me. Selfishly, it is when I am either able to be productive or rest. Being pregnant again I was hoping to keep this going for a while. Logan had other plans. As much as I hate to admit it, I think he is doing better without the nap. He is happy and active all day long and is sleeping better at night. The big difference I can see is at bedtime. He used to fight the 8:00 bedtime with as much procrastination as possible, usually making noises or knocking on his door until at least 9:00 (usually later). This week, he is ready for bed and is out very quickly.

I am proud of my sweet Logan, and love seeing him grow everyday! Love you silly man.

It's been a while...and some news!

2012-01-21T18:24:00.004-05:00

Well, a lot has happened since I last posted back in early November. Season's changed (well, a bit), we took a trip to Florida and Tennessee to see family, holidays came bringing family and fun to us in Savannah, and I chopped a TON of hair of to donate and make my life a little easier in the mean time. I will try to post what pictures I have from this time to catch up at least in the visual sense.

I have fallen behind with my posting and my picture taking, as I have been feeling sick these past several months. The good news is that is is for a good cause! We are thrilled to be expecting baby Rigby #3 this summer! I always joke that I am "horrible" at being pregnant, but this isn't too far from the truth. I always feel rotten and look as bad as I feel. I am starting my 13th week now, and am hopeful that I will turn the corner soon. The last several weeks I have been sick on top of being pregnant sick. This has turned into a nasty sinus infection adding fever, aches, pressure, congestion, cough, sneezing, drainage....,you name it...,to my lovely pregnant queasiness and vomiting. Ok, well enough of that. I know that God will give me the strength to get through whatever He has in store during this pregnancy. We are trying to keep focused on the blessing of life in this and how amazing it is how God creates these little beings. I am so grateful that I have gotten to carry my children, and pray that we see another healthy little one in 6 months or so.

Practice.

2011-11-07T15:26:00.003-05:00

Logan is working very hard on his electronic skills every time I look around. This is what I found this morning when I came around the corner.

Apparently being very close to the screen is important.

Backyard Picnic

2011-11-07T14:23:00.006-05:00

Today the sun came out and warmed up the crisp air just enough to make staying outside impossible to avoid. We had a sort-of picnic in the backyard for lunch today. The boys loved it...,almost too much. I think nap time almost happened outside too ;)

Brothers

2011-11-07T14:10:00.003-05:00

These boys go everywhere and do everything together these days. It is great to see them learning (keyword) to play together, and becoming more and more capable of it. They often have conflicting ideas about playtime, but they always work it out. Sometimes Mom helps with this, and often a timeout is necessary followed by an attempted explanation. Here are some fun shots of them just being together.

Connor's "words"

2011-11-07T13:10:00.005-05:00

Our sweet Connor is 14 months old and at such a precious stage. It is so fun to see such a personality developing in him! He is a silly boy who loves to snuggle. When he wakes he wants to just sit in your lap, suck his thumb, and hold your hand with his free one. Such a precious time! I love every minute of it. If I allowed it, he would eat nothing but Bananas. He has an awesome laugh and a smile that can warm any of my moments. He is getting quick on his feet and I fear will be running soon. It makes me so nervous! He is a climber that gets into everything. I have found him on tables, chairs, bookshelves, opening the toilet, the oven....YIKES. So different than Logan was. I love how awesomely unique my two boys are. Connor knows what he wants, and is definitely strong-willed. I am convinced that he is going to be my trouble maker, as he is fearless and doesn't mind getting in trouble. He keeps us busy and is learning something new everyday. We love you so much Connor Jackson, and pray that you grow to learn and enjoy many more days! God bless you sweet boy.

He is beginning to babble more and more words that I can actually understand and that are said intentionally. Here's the list we've got so far...as many as I can think of at least.

Dada

Dog

Moon

Mo-Mo (our cat)

Hello

Nemo (His favorite movie)

Banana

Duck

Outside time

2011-11-06T06:17:00.002-05:00

Here are some pictures I got of the boys during this wonderful crisp fall weekend!

Mr. Shark

2011-11-05T22:34:00.003-04:00

From time to time if I am looking for a way to entertain the boys inside somewhere, we will end up at Toys R Us. This is always a fun treat for my boys as they get to look at all the awesome toys. Fortunately, we aren't in the phase (yet) where there is a meltdown when it is time to go and we can't have a new toy. Logan is always so good at just saying "playtime" is over and leaves without a request for anything he had been playing with. I am so thankful for this, and am trying to soak it in while it lasts.

As HUGE as that store is, Logan still manages to make his way through almost every aisle of goodies while we are there. Connor and I stay busy keeping up with him! For months now, one of the neat things we have seen there is a toy shark. Logan LOVES this shark! He picks this one toy, every time, and carries him with him throughout the store as he looks at all the other toys. He will show "Mr. Shark" other neat things, and have a little playtime with his toothy friend. It has always struck me how it is consistently this shark. It never fails, he will find it each visit. And as much as he loves it, he never complains when we have to tell him "goodbye" as we leave him in the store.

Well, this week my mom and I took the boys to Toys R Us one morning to get ideas for Logan's birthday, and Christmas. Within minutes, Logan found his shark hidden in the back of the shelves with the other animals on it. My mom thought it was too cute how he would carry him around, talking to him and playing with him throughout the store. Needless to say, Grandma bought "Mr. Shark" for Logan that day. He didn't know what to think when he got to take him with him as we left to go home. It was so sweet. Since then, "Mr. Shark" has been present at every event. He sleeps in bed with Logan, watches as we go potty, sits next to us at the table, and plays with everything we do... Definitely a great new friend. Thank you Grandma :)

Boys and Sticks

2011-11-05T22:09:00.003-04:00

I don't know what it is about my boys and anything dirty, but there is definitely a connection there. My boys are outside boys. They would stay there all day long if I allowed it..., and they take FULL advantage of the time outside. It takes seconds before dirt, rocks, and sticks are involved. If I were smart, I would sell all of our toys, and just turn them loose.

Fortunately I love being outside too, so we are a pretty good team. I don't even mind the getting dirty. What does keep me completely on edge these days is trying to do all of this with a 1 year old and an almost 3 year old. I mean, the stage is changing (and always is!). The boys used to both find their own "fun" and co-exist. Now that Connor is walking everywhere quite quickly, Logan is on full alert at all times to jump into Connor's fun. Logan will follow him everywhere, usually taking whatever Connor is playing with. We are constantly working on the sharing these days, and Connor has learned to stand up for himself. He is quick to retaliate. This worries me too..., especially when sticks and rocks are involved. Everyday that I can keep them alive, and out of the Emergency Department is a good day!

Life with boys. Most days I think I should pad the walls and floors, bubble wrap the kiddos, and then put on my referee outfit and grab the whistle. It is crazy fun, and I can only imagine how much this will grow as they do. I am glad my boys have each other, and know that Logan and Connor will grow up being the best of friends.

This was a day where I didn't have time to go to the trail or park with the boys before getting dinner ready. They were obviously missing the rocks, sticks, water, and dirt. They found the only "sticks" in the backyard they could find..., our firewood (*sigh*). At least they were small pieces?! Thank you Lord for keeping them safe! One more day down, hopefully many more to go.

Our expressive Logan

2011-11-05T21:53:00.006-04:00

I was trying to take some pictures of the boys outside today, which is easier said than done between the almost constant mommy need from one of them, but I caught some of Logan entertaining himself. After observing for a minute, I noticed that he was being unusually expressive. I asked him what he was doing and he said "Mom, I'm making my faces. You know, this is Happy. This is Surprised. This is Scared. This is Mad." I got each one of them on film and wanted to share. I thought it was interesting that he didn't do a sad face....

Happy.

Surprised.

Scared. This one makes me laugh...everytime. He gets this look on his face, his body tenses up, and then his whole starts shaking. Too funny.

Mad. Is it terrible that I see this most often these days? Well, this and Happy are the two common faces these days. I love him even with this terrible look on his face.

A funny turn of words.....

2011-11-03T08:32:00.004-04:00

Logan is a very chatty little boy. He has been talking, quite well, since he was very young. This "gift" is something we give thanks for on a daily basis. The other hand of this gift, however, brings a more vocal twist on the "terrible two" phase. It has been an interesting journey through this phase as he is still learning how to express himself in a controlled manner. Sure, we have been "that family" quite a number of times. And we are beginning to reach the phase where Logan is asking people very blunt and embarrassing questions. The innocence and lack of awareness are a scary (but precious) combination right now. Everyday he says something, usually depending on what we have seen/ been around recently, where I think to myself...."I should be writing all of these things down". Of course I never do. I wanted to share a few of the most recent expressions I've heard from our sweet Logan Tyler.

"Oh my Peas!" (instead of "Oh my gosh" or "Oh my goodness")

"Well, Bust my Bumper" (you can tell he has been watching Thomas again recently)

"No thanks, Mom. I'm good." (usually a reply to something like "Logan, please come in for your bath/ nap/ dinner")

It's in the blood.

2011-11-01T22:11:00.004-04:00

Derek is an amazing man, full of many gifts, and many hobbies. One of the things he loves to do is play video games. It is one of the many ways he is a fun dad, who is young at heart! Though he always plays his games when the boys are sleeping, Logan has stumbled onto the X-Box controller recently. As with everything else he is curious about, Logan asked plenty of questions, and is slowly getting some "lessons" in how things work. I suppose it was inevitable....after all, it's in the blood. All of my guys are proving to be "electronically gifted". There have already been times that Logan and Connor do something with my phone, the television or computer that I have no idea how to correct. As long as they learn how to teach me too!

Just some of us.

2011-11-01T22:06:00.003-04:00

Here are just a few pictures of us these days.

Bathtime Fun

2011-11-01T22:01:00.004-04:00

One of the simple joys in my every day. I love these two.....so much.

Happy Halloween

2011-11-01T21:39:00.004-04:00

Logan is now at the age where he is getting so excited about special events and holidays. It really is so cute to see, and has even gotten me more excited for them as well. One of the fun perks of being a mom....you get a glimpse of life as a child again! In this case, for Halloween, Logan was just thrilled that he got to dress up as Buzz Lightyear. And even better, there was a magic phrase to be said in this costume that made people give you candy! Say no more. Happiest. Kid. Ever.

In the past it has been a struggle to keep him in any sort of costume. This has definitely changed. He now wants to wear his costume every day. He obviously takes his role of saving the universe very seriously. He keeps telling me that he wants to "go back to Halloween" and that he will say "trick or treat again and get more candy". So cute. He really got the hang of the trick or treating, and loved every minute of it. Of course, now we are trying to explain why he can't eat all of the treats...and that this is a once a year occurrence! We are getting there with a lot of repetition. Oh, and Mommy is doing her part in cleaning the candy out of the house ;).

Little Connor was pretty indifferent about the whole event, but still was adorable. He was Frankenstein, and a very convincing one I might add. I think the evening of trick-or-treating lasted a little longer than he was happy about (he goes to bed by 7:30 every night and we were out and about in the neighborhood until 8:00), but he was a good sport like he always is. He lets you know when he is upset about something, but is very very adaptable. Such a sweet and easy going little guy. Can't wait until he begins to find the joy and excitement in days like this too. It is so great to see their phases and how much changes every year!

I missed the cool air and colors that "go with" the holiday, but still had a fun time with the kiddos. Here are the best of the pictures I could get. Nothing great, but you get the idea. Happy Halloween!

2011-11-01T21:35:00.003-04:00

More fun at the park.

Fall Weather at Last

2011-11-01T21:13:00.004-04:00

Well, it is that time of year when I begin to anticipate the crisp chill in the air, the change of the leaves, and the holidays that follow this season! Unfortunately, it doesn't happen around here as soon as I think it should. We skip the leaf-changing almost all together and don't really have consistently cool days until January. This is one of the biggest things that I have missed since "moving south" almost 7.5 years ago. I grew up in Chattanooga, and looked forward to fall there every year. Since moving away, I have lived in Southeast Florida for 4 years, and now Savannah, Georgia for 3.5 years. I don't regret these years, as they have been full of blessings in God's plan for me. I do however miss my Tennessee. Every year.

Savannah is a beautiful and historic city which has been a great home to us as we have started our family, and watched Derek complete his training. It is also a very hot, humid, and bug infested city which makes playing outside with little boys a bit more uncomfortable. The past month here, however, has brought the random cool days which somehow prove to be less buggy as well. Needless to say, we have absolutely loved playing outside in the more comfortable environment! It isn't Chattanooga, and we don't have the colors, but we will take it. Here are some pictures of the boys taking advantage of the nicer weather. Maybe we will get back to my seasons one day ;)

Family visits.

2010-05-17T20:19:00.011-04:00

This past weekend was the start to a wonderful series of family visits for us. This timing couldn't be better either, as Derek has begun a very time consuming rotation for the next 6 weeks (7am - 8pm M-F and 24 hour weekend call!). As excited as I am for this learning opportunity for him, I am also happy that the timing of various family visits will help to distract me!

My sister, Lindsey, and her awesome husband, Joseph, came down on Friday from Charlotte, NC to celebrate my mom's 61st birthday. It was so great to see them, even though it was a short visit. We hadn't gotten a visit with them since Christmas - which was way too long....especially in "baby time". Logan and I both have done quite a bit of changing these last 6 months. We ate a late dinner and watched a movie Friday night, spent a fun-filled day at a local pool and cooking out on Saturday, and then said our goodbyes Sunday. My dad came into town early Sunday to spend the week with me and Logan (and to see Derek when he can), so he got to visit with Lindsey and Jo before they got on the road. It was truly a great weekend. They are both doing great...enjoying their new North Carolina residency and even more so their newest family member. They rescued an adorable mutt from the humane society a few weeks ago, and brought him for the visit. We had so much fun trying to teach Logan to be a brave boy around Scout...he tends to be a little anxious around some dogs, but by the 2nd day of their trip he was doing great. I already miss them, and Logan is still asking for his Aunt "Linny". Hopefully the next visit will be sooner than 6 months from now!

The right place at the right time.

2010-05-04T14:10:00.003-04:00

Well, as we woke up this morning to a rainy day, my first thought was "how will I keep Logan entertained?"....after all, this boy would live outside if I would let him. So going an entire morning without outdoor time can get tricky. We started the day early, so I figured that we could go to Target (which I knew would be open) and just walk around. When we got tired of the atmosphere at Target, we headed down to the soft play area for the little ones in the mall. What a successful play time!! Logan managed to master the stairs and slide all by himself, and was so proud. He was having such a good time, laughing every step of the way. It was such a treat to watch him accomplish these things by himself - not to mention a nice rest for me and baby Connor! Due to the early hour it was quiet and nice at the play area, which I am convinced help Logan relax enough to master some big boy playing. This turned out to be great for me as well, as I met two other mommy's there. I know, I am always meeting other mothers, but this was different. After visiting for a while, we actually exchanged information, and now I am going to begin going to their mommy group every Wednesday! What a blessing for me. I have struggled since living in Savannah to connect with a stable group of mothers. This has been such a desire of mine, but has proven to be much more difficult than I had expected. I am looking forward to getting to know these women better, and to get Logan involved with more little ones! God definitely had us in the right place at the right time today. After playtime in the mall, we all ended up walking to the Library to take the little ones to story time. This was our first time doing this, and Logan loved it! He did so well...I was very proud of him. Needless to say, this rainy morning was one of the best we've had in a while. I can't wait to see how these new opportunities for us unfold!

Off to a poor start

2010-05-03T20:55:00.002-04:00

Okay, so apparently I am not as great as I had hoped at squeezing in time to manage this blog. Sad start so far, but I will try again. I suppose the last 6 months are a bit much to catch everyone up on in any type of detail, but I will do my best to hit the high points ;)

As I am sure it is public knowledge (as I had posted on facebook our updates), Derek and I are pregnant again with baby number 2! We are so excited about this, despite the less than easy journey thus far. I have had a few "scares" so far this time around, but so far we are pulling through. God has been so gracious, always allowing for a healthy outcome after a scary event. I am having to take it as easy as I can, without actually calling it "bed rest". After all, how easy can you take it when you are chasing around a toddler? Anyhow, we are thrilled that it will be another little boy. Connor Jackson will join us, Lord willing, sometime in August (I am actually due August 26th). I am growing quickly with this one, gaining too much weight once again...yet am focused on the end. I can't wait to meet him!

Logan is doing great. He is 17 months old now, and is all boy. I mean skinned knees, mud puddles, and sticks....the works. He is an adorable, though often challenging, combination of personality. He is interested in everything, and never misses anything. He is always asking about things, and has even begun telling me a few things that I should know. He is a very curious about things, especially other children. Is is so funny to watch him, as he loves to just stare and observe. We aren't entirely sure how to interact yet. He is learning to listen and obey, yet has such a strong will that he is often frustrated with his limitations. Temper tantrums are a regular- to some extent- on a daily basis. I am learning to just ignore them when needed, and let him have his "feelings" about things. Recently, he is also beginning to show frustration with our communication gap. Despite his quickly expanding vocabulary, he understands more than he can clearly speak, so we have a difficult time understanding what he is trying to tell us. He still loves his books and reading them with Mommy and Daddy. He will ask to snuggle now, which is one of my favorite times with him. He loves baby Connor, though I am not quite sure how he will do when his baby brother arrives. It will be fun to watch them grow up together, just 21 months apart.

Derek is now into his clinical year (and final year!) of PA school. He will do 6-week rotations in a variety of specialties until next March. He is finishing his first of the roatations in family practice this week. He has been working with a Physician about 40 miles from home in a small, private practice which has been failry low-key. So far he is enjoying the clinical experience, yet we are both a little anxious to see how it continues. The hours and days are never known before hand, and the daily work-load is an ever changing factor. This is both exciting and challenging as we are getting closer to having a family of four.

As for now, we are trying to get settled into a new home. Yes, I know this will sound strange, but we have recently switched homes with my mother. Our owned homes are within 5 miles of each other here in Savannah...both with their individual appeal. Our home is quite a bit smaller, and doesn't have much you could consider a yard. My mother's home, on the other hand, is a little more spacious on the inside, and has a wonderful yard on all sides - a restless boy's dream. Mom had offered the exchange to us several times and we thought she was crazy. We finally spoke about it more seriously, as she felt as though this was what God wanted her to do. We were constantly trying to find more space and storage for things, while Mom had too much to take care of by herself. She felt silly in her home and yard by herself, while we were figuring out how to make a family of 4 work in our home. After we all prayed about it, we decided to take her up on the offer. As tiring as a move can be, I am glad and thankful for the opportunity. It was such a great blessing, and is proving to be a wonderful fit for each of our families. I am hoping to feel completely settled by the time Connor gets here in August, though it has been a slow process so far.

FIRST STEPS!

2009-10-26T15:14:00.003-04:00

OK, so it is time. Logan is beginning to take his first steps! I am amazed at how proud and excited I got when I witnessed this! I cannot even begin to describe the feeling. It sounds so silly, I'm sure, but the joy is overwhelming. He has been "creeping" while holding onto objects since about 9.5 months of age, but has never ventured out by himself. I have known that he has been capable of standing alone for a while now. I will catch him in random moments of distraction, enraptured by a song or toy letting go of all around him. The second he realizes, however, that he is standing alone, he grabs onto something or sits down. Silly boy. I haven't pushed him at all...realizing that he will do it when he is ready. On Monday, though, I figured that we would practice balancing in the middle of a room...with nothing near to grab onto. Much to my surprise it only took a few tries before he stood alone momentarily. The next thing I knew, he took about 4 steps towards me! My little boy is growing up! Now we just have to practice balancing all 26 pounds and I think he will be off....

New Shoes

2009-10-26T15:07:00.004-04:00

As the weather has gotten "colder", and the inevitable walking days are just around the corner for Mr. Logan, Derek and I decided that enough is enough...we need to go and find this little guy some shoes. As genetics have determined, Logan' s short, thick feet just don't seem to fit into any of the many pairs of hand-me-downs that we have sitting in the closet. No problem...except for the fact that we can't just buy any pair of shoes we see at a store now. Well, we took him to Stride Rite in the mall and got his little tootsies measured. He is wearing a 4.5 Wide. So precious! We got him a comfortable pair that he doesn't mind wearing at all! Now...we just need to practice walking! (Nana and Papi bought him the cute second pair when they came to visit!)

Nana and Papi come to visit

2009-10-26T11:20:00.006-04:00

As I was cooking dinner Thursday, I got an unexpected phone call from Derek's mom who lives in Florida. Though we don't talk often on the phone, I love our little chats. This chat was not just to catch up, however. She was so cute when she asked...."so, what are you doing tomorrow?". I got so excited! I have always told our family and friends that a visit is always welcomed....and that I don't really need any notice, because I am almost always around with Logan. Well, finally, someone took me up on the offer! She and Dad came up Friday morning for the weekend. We had such a great time catching up and visiting. It had been a month since they had seen Logan...which is a lot in baby time. Mom and I went to get Logan a nice pair of shoes from Stride Rite on Friday, and then spent the rest of the day visiting at home. Saturday, despite the rainy weather, we attempted to go to the annual Bamboo Farm Fall Festival. It wasn't as much fun as I had hoped due to the weather, but we still had a wonderful time with Nana and Papi. Saturday night we stayed at home and watched Seven Pounds. I was amazed by the movie- what a great story! After worshiping together at church Sunday morning and a tasty meal down on River Street, we ended the visit with football, cookies, and nap time. I must say that I feel truly blessed to have such a great set of parents...

Fall is here!

2009-10-19T08:02:00.008-04:00

As much as I have enjoyed living in Florida in the past, and now Savannah....it must be said that I miss my four seasons. Growing up in Tennessee, I learned to love the nice crisp chill in the air and colors on the trees this time of year. And regardless of what the calendar has said, I have had a hard time believing, once again, that it is fall.....until this week! Despite the fact that it is a front, which will be gone in a few days, I have been enjoying this gorgeous, colder weather we've been having. We have been breaking out the jackets and beanies....and even mittens for little Logan this week. It is wonderful! I have been so moved by the weather, the apple cinnamon candles have been lit, the pumpkin patch has been visited, and the baking has begun....aahhh.

2009-10-14T08:12:00.009-04:00

This is my first time blogging, so bear with me. I decided it might be a nice way to document our family these days. As I think back over the last four and a half years since Derek and I have been married, I am amazed at how much things have changed. Derek and I have each changed so much individually, and the life that we share continues to be full of surprises. Sure, we remember many times, both good and challenging, yet many of the memories fade over time. I am hoping that this may provide a nice way to remember even the little thoughts and experiences that make up our life. It has been awesome to see how God has chosen to work in our lives, and I am excited to share that! He has blessed us so very much.

To try and give a brief summary of what's going on these days....here we go. We are living in Savannah, Ga in a small house in southside. Despite the humidity and bugs, we love it here. We moved here in July of 2008 so that Derek could attend South University. He has gone back to school to get his master's as a Physician's Assistant and will graduate in 2011. Derek loves the work he is doing, and is growing incredibly in this program. Though he is always busy with class and studying, he always makes time for his family. He is a wonderful husband and father. I am staying busy staying at home, tending to Derek and the house, and trying to stay one step ahead of our son, Logan. Yes, one of the wonderful blessings in our lives together has been our son. Logan Tyler was born November 20, 2008. I cannot believe that he is already reaching the end of this first year. He is amazing! He is a quiet boy, who studies everything when we are outside of the house. When he is at home in his comfort zone, he is a strong-willed, short tempered little guy. This more challenging part of his personality has just begun to reveal itself over the last month or so, and Derek and I are trying our best to channel this energy in a positive way. I believe that a lot of this behavior is because he is a smart boy who gets bored very easily. This keeps me on my toes! Though he was born an average 7 pounds 8 ounces, he didn't wait long before rapidly climbing the growth charts. Logan is a big boy, staying well into the 95% percentile this first year. We are dressing him in 18 and 24 month old clothes, and hoping that we will plateau here for a while. He is working on walking, though hasn't ventured out for those first unassisted steps yet. I am constantly amazed by him, and could not be more thankful to God for blessing our lives with him.