Pokagon

Every year AJ's family gets together for Thanksgiving at Pokagon State Park, which is just a few miles from Angola. We didn't go last year since we just had Ari, so this was his first trip. There are so many things to do, but what we like about it the most is that it is all focused around doing things as a family. We are very blessed to have family close to us, on both sides, that are loving and supportive.

Here are a few highlights from this past week.


Actual Thanksgiving meal...yum!



Laying upside down on the bed

Passing time during the long drive up there

Another meal, but this was at a restaurant called the Blue Gate. We visited Shipshewana, which is known for the Amish/Mennonite community there. This little town has cute little shops to go in and the best chicken and noodle dinner.

This was probably the first time Ari didn't smile...we were out shopping during his regular nap time. Sorry!

And this was a friend he made. This chef stands at the entrance to a cafe in the hotel we were at. We had to pass him every time we left to go somewhere and Ari would just point and stare.

We went for a hike on the last day and finally got to take Ari. It had been too cold before, so I'm glad it warmed up a little bit.

The other times we weren't out and about seeing things, we were playing games. I love to play games and think it is a great way to spend time with people. We were also able to go on the tobogan ride. I hear there are only three open in the U.S. so we are fortunate to enjoy it every year. Our high speed for the 1/4 mile run was 37 mph. I'd say that's pretty fast!

I hope everyone was able to enjoy Thanksgiving this year, considering all the sickness that has been going around. We are very thankful for our health and that no one in our family has been affected by anything worse than a bad cold. We will continue to count our blessings!

a boy and his chair

A new favorite of Ari's...

relaxing

playing
chewing
snuggling
and of course, ready for some football
Who knew a chair could serve multiple purposes?

Long, long ago

Once upon a time there was a little girl. She was chubby. And bald. At least for the first year and a half of life.

She was very shy for many years. Mom always thought she lost her when out shopping because she was so quiet. She carried around a doll named "Big Baby". Well, because the doll was as big as her, a big baby.

She was home schooled until 2nd grade, then went to private school until 5th grade. She quit cheerleading after 5th grade and played volleyball in middle school.

to be continued...

good ol' times

Ari had his check up on Tuesday. He is not as big as I originally thought. He weighed in at 20.5 lbs in the 20th percentile. His height was 29 1/2 inches in the 50th percentile. Dr K said he is going to be a very average person. I had to laugh to myself knowing that even though he might look average on the outside, Ari's personality is far from average. Sometimes I try to imagine what he will be like when he is older based on how he is now - smiley, loves to laugh even if it is a fake one, loves to entertain people, ham, has to be the loudest, wants to be heard and seen by all. And not to mention having strange parents such as us - who like to make him dress up and take pictures - he has no chance of being average. Sorry Ari.

Eating fudge for the first time. MMMMMMM

Eating at the Daily Grind...they just happen to have the best coffee drinks around. And we just happened to be there on a chilly day. Hmm...coincidence?

His own little cake to eat.


The cake he really wanted instead.

"Phew- this is tiring!"


His little man chair he got from his aunt and uncle. Now he can be a true football watcher.

a laugh to love

It has literally taken me a year to finally post a video...but I did it! We went to Brown County and Nashville this weekend to enjoy the last of the leaves. Lots more pictures to come but I didn't think this should wait. Mommy and daddy were acting like complete fools - but it was totally worth it to hear that laugh.

Ok, so I was the only fool. Hopefully you can quickly erase the sounds of what seemed to be a dinasaur. Ha ha Ooohhhh the things we do for entertainment...

A year in the making...

Oh what to say about your baby turning one...there are so many emotions! My heart has been heavy lately knowing that this day was coming - not for our sakes but for others, knowing there are so many parents who will not get to celebrate a birthday, a holiday, or another memory with their lost child. I have been reminded several times this past year how we can not take any moment for grant it. I say this now because somehow I feel guilt for being able to celebrate such a time with Ari. For all the Cari's out there -please know the memories of your child will not be forgotten. As I silently grieve for your losses, I will also be reminded to celebrate life, and most importantly give the glory to God. A song just came on by Building 429 called "End of Me". The lyrics ring true for this..."He is, He was, and always will be..." No matter what happens in this life, God is always the same loving, righteous God. No. Matter. What.

So here's to a celebration of life.

before his arrival - 11 days late

right after his arrival - born at 1:08am at 7 15.8 lbs (I say 8 lbs!)

1 month - so cuddly you could just squeeze him

2 months - already smiley

3 months - already a stinker

4 months - already wanting everyone's attention

5 months - already busting out of his seat and ready to go

6 months - squealing at the top of his lungs

7 months - eating his dinner in a bowl

8 months - making his way around Florida and the pool

9 months - ready for sports and sporting a mohawk

10 months - ready for his first car

11 months - climbing and standing on everything

12 months - ready to turn 1

Happy birthday baby boy! You have such the personality: Very loud and want to be heard. An infectious laugh. Contagious smile. And a warm heart. You fill our hearts with joy. We love you more than you could ever know.