Who Dat

We (Ryan) decided that Audrey was old enough to go "to the Superdome to see the Saints go marching in" (as she says it) this year. We figured we would try it out a preseason game. She had fun & did great but she is not ready yet. It was too loud for her & she was bored after about 5 minutes. She did love Gumbo the saints dog & Sir Saint ("that silly guy"-as she refers to him). Her favorite part by far though was alot of "barbies"(saintsations) on the field! Ahhh to be able to see the world thru her eyes!

She has informed us that it is "too loud" for her & she wants to "stay home with nana & jude" next time. Maybe next year Ryan! :)

On to the Dude!

I cant believe the dude is 11 mos & I am planning a 1st birthday party!
I know I have alot to catch you up on. Our little man is practically running all over the house! He took his first step at 8 mos. At 9 mos he would take 3-4 steps then fall & crawl. At 10mos he took more steps than he crawled. Now crawling is a thing of the past. He is a full blown walker!

He loves to climb & explore! When we went to the beach with Nana & Duke (May so he was 8 mos-) he was climbing up flights of stairs!!!

He loves his sissy & when he smiles or laughs he opens his whole mouth.....it is so precious! He has gotten a lot more social since we were able to regulate his medicine (zantac) & he sleeps better. He loves other kids! Whenever a baby or kid comes in, he will go over to them, grab his chest & smile as if to say (I think) "hi! I'm jude, you wanna play"

My sweet boy, is the spitting image of his daddy (dont you think?) & despite that, I think he's pretty handsome :) (just kidding ry)

He would let her drag him all over just to be near her!

Outside fun!

We are finally getting a glimpse into his personality. I know that sounds sad but for the first 7 mos, he was just miserable :( I take that back, he was sweet & laid back when he felt good.

Now, we have bonded & are in love (hey it takes some people longer-he wasnt sure he wanted to be stuck with us i guess:)
He is so funny, he loves making animals sounds or any sound for that matter. I am falling in love a little more each day & getting to see a little more of his personality.

He is on a good schedule of 2 naps/day & he is even putting up with a little crib time (very little). He eats anything we do, although I am trying to be careful to see if anything upsets him. & he is most def. off the breast. (I guess I nursed him til about 10mos) I would've gone to a year but when I went back to work that was pretty much the end.

I'll try to update a few more pics when I get a chance.

The long awaited update!

Hello my friends, thankyou for being so patient. It has been busy around our household here & I there is MUCH to catch you up on.

I'll start with Audrey. She is almost 3 now. I just cannot believe it! She is just sooooo big & all grown up & yet still such a baby(my baby). She did great this summer at school & is looking forward to going back 2days/week in the fall. We are coming to the end of a very long, hard first year with Jude but she was such a trooper/helper & I am amazed everday by her. Audrey, everyday you say or do something to amaze me!... To show me a glimpse into the person you are becoming & I love you. You are SO stinkin smart it scares me & I am so proud to be your Mommy.

She still loves loves learning anything you will teach her & picks up so quickly! She is about to drop her nap (NOOOOOO) but still has "room time" where we rest, then can read a book or play quietly. I know that my time with her (& influence) is not going to start getting more & more limited so I am just trying to soak every minute, be a good example & have fun. Now that Jude is getting older, we are getting back on track with structure & teaching & it has been going great so far. She knows all her letter (upper & lower case) recognition & sounds & we are doing the very beginning stages of reading. My dad keeps saying "boy is she gonna be bored with first grade". I am starting to think about school & would love any input for private schools in the area. Boy, that sure scares me!

I love you little girl! You are so special!

Must Read

I know that most of you are looking for an update & I promise, its coming. Jude turned 11mos last week & you havent heard a peep since he was 7mos so I have alot to catch you up on. I promise you will have it before the end of the weekend.

You have to check out this site. This woman has a tremendous job on her hands & is handling it with grace. Read her story, commit to praying for her & her son everyday....maybe God will call you to do something else too.

Be back soon! Promise