A Little Picture Happy

New Discoveries

This is what happens day after day of sleep deprivation. A Very Tired Boy.... We keep thinking that one of these naps, he will make up for the sleep loss, but it hasn't happened yet. James is going through pacifier withdrawal. Harder than we thought for all of us. Hopefully it will be over soon. Lots of doubts about whether or not we are doing the right thing for our little boy in this situation. He still looks like a baby in this picture.
Behind this gate (a valuable new addition to our home) is a very special object - a fan. Yep, our son's new "cool" finding - placed behind the gate for safety reasons.
The new "toy" in action under supervision.
The next great findings are knobs, drawer handles, and basically any metal hardware.

Vigilence

MUST WATCH BOY EVERY MOMENT -

EVERY DAY!!!!!Every day a new discovery. That is the great part about crawling. The not so great part is falling down. Many more bruises and bumps in the future I am sure.
This boy has no fear. He is yelling out of pleasure. This is really only acceptable when you are a baby.
Last pic - Drenched and cooled off from the much needed rain.

10 YEAR HIGH SCHOOL REUNION

We just got back from floating in the water, enjoying the nice cold AC, and hanging with wonderful friends. We just returned from Jesse's 10 year high school reunion in Buckhead, Georgia. No, he didn't graduate in Georgia, but from a missionary kids' school in Venezuela. So, friends from all across the world flew in to get together: US, Canada, Philippines, and Japan. Some of the kindest people we have ever known. We didn't take many pictures, but here are a few. Hopefully, we will keep in contact better in the next 5 years than we have in the last 10.

THE CLASS PICTURE

James and Julia. There were 3 babies all around 1 year old, James at 8 months, and Isaiah at 3 years. Needless to say, James really enjoyed playing with the other kids. And we really enjoyed sharing stories of our children and each other as baby sitters.

Marc and Janelle. Jesse and James. James and Janelle - betrothed.

We'll see how that turns out.

How did we survived the airplane ride? The Foot Book. Never leave home without it. It is a great cure for fussiness and very portable. It also is much less embarrassing to read in public than Mr. Brown Can Moo, Can You?

Accummulations

Vacuums - Currently we have 3 - three! So, how does this happen? I buy one decent vacuum. It stops working. I don't know why. My mom gives me a vacuum that was going to be thrown away. It doesn't work well, but it works. We use this for 2 years. It starts working "hardly at all." This is a problem. James is becoming quite adept at picking up small items in hopes to consume them. Problem solved - Jesse's parents buy a new vacuum and give us their old one. This one works the best of them all except that it squeals. Jesse looks at my broken vacuum and discovers it needs a new belt - which Target doesn't carry.

The dilemma. What to do with 3 vacuums and 1 husband who likes to accummulate things?

The irony. Before James started crawling we rarely used the vacuum. Terrible, I know!

daddy's cabin

Jesse has been working forever (it feels like that to him) on his shack out in the woods. He is making some real progress and soon it will be finished and useable.

We are taking reservations for hunting season now. Checks payable to: jesse or lisa rhody

Everything is moved outside as they put barn boards on the walls inside.

Half way done!

James would like to help too, but Grampa keeps a close eye on him.

What a nice retreat in the woods. Motorized vehicles are not allowed - unless you give James a ride on them.

Eight Months Old Today

This is what I think of broccoli!
Dad thinks my hat looks cool like this.

I'm a tree hugger.

James is growing as little boys do and enjoying becoming a "big boy."

Things we just learned/are learning:


1. picking up and eating finger foods - like cheerios... Along with this pinching Mommy while he eats.


2. pushing buttons - they turn things on, they open and shut things.


3. crawling - we do a scoot crawl combination that is getting increasingly faster and steadier.


4. Giving Five and Waving - these are forgotten quickly, but used once he is reminded how to do them.


5. James got his first tooth - July 3rd!


6. James knows that whatever Mom and Dad are eating probably tastes better than what they are giving him.


7. Drinking from a cup - a very messy process. He does not get the tilt your head back concept.


8. Talking - yes he says "ba, ba, ba" for everything and chuckles like Ernie from Sesame Street.