Lil' Bob Blog

MY BIKE!!!

2012-02-04T18:47:00.000-08:00

RG now has a very tricked out bike! He's still only 3 but is a MASTER biker!!!

RG is Turning 3!

2011-08-23T11:38:00.000-07:00

Robert Graham,

I was reading you a book today and being the sappy mother that I am broke down and cried because it was a book about how you grow up and go away and get your own house and things of this nature! WOW! That is just crazy!!! I don't want you to grow up so fast! You are my bug, my baby, my sweet sweet, and now my BIG boy! You are almost all the way potty trained! This may embarrass you later, but I don't care. I can't stand it that you are almost THREE!!! It was like yesterday that I was taking you out in your little snowsuit and flakes were falling on our noses and I was so worried that you would be cold or that I couldn't protect you from everything. By the way, that NEVER goes away! I feel like I want to protect you from the world! You are so smart and into everything and wonderful! Here's what you're into right now as you turn three I need to document it!!!!

Reading books!!!
Trucks!---Especially construction vehicles: Bulldozers, Excavators, Dump Trucks! (I didn't even know what an excavator was until I met you!)
Trains! Thomas will always be in your heart I think! You have had the BEST time with your train table and trains! (Hotwheels go on there too!) You have Thomas, Percy, Harvey, and Arthur. These are your favorites and I haven't seen one day since we arrived in GA that you didn't play with these!!! You are SO fun!
Cars! You love Hotwheels and Matchbox cars and play with them on your mat that I got you from IKEA that has the roads and things.
Balls! Your favorite is the basketball, but if it bounces you love it!
Movies! You love Stuart Little! It is your favorite! You like CARS, but Leapfrog reading and Curious George are still leaps and bounds ahead of Lightning McQueen! :)
Play-doh is still one of your many favorite things... even though you still love to paint with me, draw, (you can make smiley faces, circles, train tracks, and desperately attempt "R"s) you still like coloring and stamping, (yeah, sorry, I did that to you!)
Stickers! This is one of your favorite things to do while Daddy is preaching! For some reason stickers keep you very entertained right now.

We do lots of things together at home though, we play cars, ride your trike in the parking lot at the church, color, paint, stamp, use sponges, play with beads, puzzles, games... you love it all! And today you told me, "Mommy, you're my bestest friend!" Warmed my heart to NO end! I hope that we will always be close and have a wonderful relationship! You are MY favorite! (After Daddy of course!)

I love you dearly and want you to grow up, but just do it SLOwwwwwwlllyyyy!! :)

Love,
Mommy

P.S. Daddy asked you this morning what you wanted to be when you grow up! After giving you suggestions like, "Doctor?", "no", "Lawyer?", "no", "A preacher like me?", "No, Daddy, I want to drive an excavator or a forklift!"
Hahahahahaha Love it!

Robert Graham

2011-03-16T13:23:00.000-07:00

You are learning SO much about God, Christ, and words. We got you a Big Picture Story Bible when you were in the womb and we've been consistently reading it to you every night for over a year now. You love the pictures and have moments when you thrill us with recitations! I want you to love the Bible and Jesus Christ above all else! I cannot imagine life without you! You inspire me to be a better parent, you ask SO many inquisitive and thoughtful questions, and you challenge me in my walk with the Lord. How? By just being an inquisitor! God's Word talks about having faith like a child, and when I see how your mind works I am amazed! I pray that God will guide you to Himself, draw you, and that you would have a long, happy, purposeful life in Him!

Cheesy Grin

2011-02-20T17:57:00.000-08:00

You have now mastered the cheesy grin! I kept you home from church today because you were sick! You look sick! HA! We had a greeeaaaatttt Mommy day! I loved hanging out with you and seeing you play. Your sanity these days is "outside time". It always has been your favorite time, but I really hope they keep P.E. in school, because otherwise I'm not sure you'll make it! Ha! Actually, your other favorite pasttimes are reading, talking, and playing with any moving vehicle or ball. You told me the other day when I asked if you were a "soccer player", you said, "I'm a football man!" Hahahahaha I died laughing when you told me that! You have SUCH a sweet temperament and you are very witty. You distiguish beyond your years the "teasing" concept! You are a joy and I can't wait to see what God does in your life. I hope to keep focusing your heart toward Him and guiding you to an understanding of the cross. It's a hard life, but I think you'll find it well worth it!

I love you,
Mommy

Here Lizard, Lizard...

2011-02-20T17:52:00.000-08:00

Dancin' With Daddy

2011-02-20T17:46:00.000-08:00

Lazy Susan

2011-02-20T17:35:00.000-08:00

Sick Day

2010-10-24T21:20:00.000-07:00

Today you were so sick and so was Mommy! I've decided that you may have mild asthma. I hope for your sake that this is not so, however, we will go to the doctor tomorrow and have you checked out and see what he thinks. Most of the time when you are sick you are so sweet and give me hugs, but today, you were too busy! I had to discipline you often, which I hate doing because I know how tired you are and how disrupted our schedule has been the last few days due to being sick together. This week I go back to work. I want you to know that I don't want to go back to work. I love staying with you all the time. Our schedule won't change all that much because you already go to Mom's Day Out, I will just be there now, right down the hall. In some ways, this is SO great, because if you need me, I'll be right there. I know you enjoy your class, but some days I think it might be punishment for me that I have to work for putting you there in the first place, for needing more time to do other things. Well, now I won't have you all the time or be able to do other things. I'm trying very hard to do what's best for you. I hope you know how much I love you and how much I desire for you to grow in the knowledge and grace of Jesus Christ.

I love you my bug,
Mommy

Your car

2010-09-08T08:57:00.001-07:00

Mommy had a very hard time getting rid of your toy car stroller that you got for your first birthday. I went to the consignment shop and left it in the hands of the sales people there, but when I went to leave I cried because that car was your favorite! It was so much fun watching you discover trees, grass, birds, and all of God's creatures that we passed while I pushed you in that car! I love you and hope that I did the right thing by letting some other Mommy discover it for their little one.
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

2nd Birthday

2010-08-28T21:36:00.001-07:00

So I guess I find myself at a loss for words... My heart is heavy, my baby is growing into a boy! I know I want him to grow healthy and strong, but I'm not ready for this sweet age to end. I never knew how absolutely blessed I would be by raising this little future knight. I had no idea the struggles and pain it would cause me to release him every day into another phase of trust to my Father and King. Its hard to let my boy "do it himself" and its hard to watch triumphantly as he accomplishes what he sets out to do! I want to hold him and kiss him all the time because I know there may come a day when that's just "not cool". I really wish some days that he could stay my baby forever but I know that's not truly what I want. I know that I don't want to waste time with him! I don't want to waste our precious moments together squandering it away watching t.v. or some other useless task but I feel the hours and days and moments passing me by while I'm being selfish or hoping for more or better when I should be completly satisfied with what God has given me. So, tonight I will just say thank you Father for my shining star, my angel, and after you and Reagan, my reason for getting up in the morning! Thank you for my precious boy! I don't know how in the world you could possibly give your son to die for me, but now more than ever I understand what kind of sacrifice that was and I thank you... I know this may sound like rambling, but thank you.
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

IMG00209-20100816-1130.jpg

2010-08-17T21:07:00.000-07:00

Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

2010-08-17T21:06:00.001-07:00

RG and I had such a good day today! We had a lot of fun playing with Play-doh and just messing around with toys!

Vacation in New Orleans, July 2010

2010-08-17T20:43:00.000-07:00

We had a great time going to New Orleans zoo, aquarium and even 3-D Imax that Lil'Bob actually sat through! He tried the glasses, but decided he'd rather just watch without them. We also toured the Dinosaur exhibit and he decided he really wasn't a "real life-sized" dinosaur man. He would rather them be a little smaller than him! We saw penguins, seals, giraffes, lions, tigers, elephants, and other animals. His favorite part of the whole zoo, however, was the puddles! It was raining all day long, but instead of being grumpy, he just took off running and found the deepest, muddiest puddles he could find! Had a blast!

We also spent one evening in the E.R. with a lovely sickness called "Croupe". He sounded just like the seals barking! It was actually the nicest, friendliest, and fastest E.R. we've ever been to!

All in all, we had a great time! We will soon be going to another zoo! We have four on our list for the summer!!!

Me and The Horsey

2010-06-28T08:36:00.000-07:00

VBS Round up dancin'!

2010-06-28T08:25:00.000-07:00

Blueberry Pickin' Day

2010-06-16T10:42:00.000-07:00

We went to the blueberry farm and as usual we were glad they did not weigh RG on the way out! He definitely ate more than he put in his bucket!!! :)

Blueberries!!!

2010-06-14T06:52:00.000-07:00

We went to Molino to pick blueberries! Had a great time... Robert Graham ate more than he put in his bucket, but he gets that honest! We did get about a gallon all told! YUM!

Lil' Bob & Cereal

2010-06-01T07:22:00.000-07:00

This was really funny today, I'm not sure how much he talks in this one, but I'm experimenting with video posting b/c my sisters are requesting! :) Love you Aunties...

Easter Egg Hunt!

2010-04-20T18:54:00.000-07:00

Just thought I'd see if this video would work! We'll see! Leave a comment if you would like!

Easter Outfit and Time with Auntie!

2010-04-04T15:20:00.000-07:00

Mommy made me wear something extremely cute for Easter, however, my first word

when I got it on was "OUT!"

(It's also hard to smile when your mouth is full of jelly beans!)
There we go! Auntie is FUNNY when she takes my picture!

Me and Auntie after we went on an egg hunt. I love my Auntie Laura. She's very fun!

18 Months! Wow!

2010-03-15T13:19:00.000-07:00

Wow! Look at this!
I'm doing it on my own!

Peek-a-boo! I see you Mommy!

Let's go down together!

I'm waiting Mom!

Okay, I guess I can take a short picture break!

I love it!

Daddy, your classroom is the best running place I've ever seen!

Weeeeeeeeeeeeee!!

I see you!

Today, Robert Graham and I went to Daddy's classroom and brought him lunch. (RG got hungry in the car, so he ate early!) Then, we went to the park right down the street from Daddy's work. We had a lot of fun playing on the slides and swings and stickin' our hands in the sand.

Outside! It's Finally Warm Enough!!!

2010-02-28T15:16:00.002-08:00

Robert Graham , Daddy, and Mommy had a great time today playing with our sand and water station today. Lil' Bob got a lil' dirty! It was finally really nice outside though, around 54 degrees! We can't wait to go to the beach soon! YEAH!!!

Leaves in January

2010-01-08T18:13:00.000-08:00

You know, we always thought that when you raked leaves it would be sometime in August, September, maybe even October, but here we are in Pensacola, FL, raking leaves at the first of January! WOW!!! On the other hand, Robert Graham had a blast jumping in the leaves and rolling around. He also loved taking the leaves in the wheel barrow with Grammy to the backyard. His favorite part was riding in the wheel barrow! :)

Lil' Bob & The Tree

2009-12-15T18:43:00.001-08:00

Reagan and I are trying to teach Lil' Bob how to "touch with ONE finger!" He is getting very good about not pulling things off and gently touching things. We also let him "pat pat" the Piper pup and other things like stickers and things. He is enjoying this Christmas with all the lights and music. He also thinks he wants peanut-butter balls and chocolate-covered pretzels! (He doesn't get those yet, but has tasted a few plain m&m's and loves them!)

I look forward to adding more later on after our visit to Austin this Christmas. We will be there for a week and plan to give him his first hair cut and of course he will have his first Christmas morning/day that he will remember. We can't wait!! This is going to be such a fun time.

Pumpkin Day

2009-10-26T08:44:00.000-07:00

Do you like this one?
This one is my favorite!

I tasted one! YUCK!

Haha! This is FUN!

This one is my buddy!

Lil' Bob sitting in the pumpkin patch! I LOVE Pumpkins!
RG and Papa with Lil' Bob's personal pumpkin! :)

Robert Graham and Mommy at the farmer's market! Mommy Loooovvvees pumpkins too!

Daddy makes me laugh even when it's SO cold outside! Brrr...

I get so excited and play so hard that sometimes I just CRASH!

Robert Graham, Grammy, Papa, Mommy and Daddy all went to a playground in Fairhope, AL and played very hard on all the swings and slides! We went to visit Auntie Laura in Nashville to see her show this past weekend and went to the Farmer's Market to look at all the pumpkins! We also went on Saturday two days ago to a pumpkin patch for Pumpkin Day and picked out our own pumpkin! Lil' Bob had a BLAST! He touched the pumpkins, smelled them, and gave the big one a kiss!

Lil' Bob's Birthday Party

2009-09-13T19:27:00.000-07:00

We had a very good time celebrating my ONE year! I have had many trials and many fun times this first year. I'm looking forward to all the new things I will be able to do! You can see more pictures of the party if you are Mommy's friend on facebook! :)

Lil' Bob's Summer

2009-08-17T12:05:00.001-07:00

Shopping at Publix is actually fun, because I get to drive the cart! July 2009.

I love to swing at the park! There are lots of things to do in Florida! August, 2009.

I was trying to escape, but ran in the wrong direction! I'm a ham!!! July 2009.

I love these cups, a boy can really get his hands around them! May, 2009.

I am SO too cool for words. Just check me out. July, 2009.

Played in the pool all morning! It was SOoooooo Ccccoooollllldddd!!! June 2009.

Practicing my pilot skills at the Navy base! July 30, 2009.

Up close and personal. I really like the camera! You can't see them... but I have two teeth!

This giraffe was trying to bite me, so I bit him back! :) July, 2009.

We have had such a good time with this little boy this summer. Reagan begins teaching in a week and today went back for pre-school activities. Robert Graham and I are having a good day, but are looking forward to September when he goes to "school" (Mom's Day Out) at our new church. He will be able to play and make friends and Mommy will be a better Mommy with some time off. We have not been apart for 11 1/2 months now, so it will take some adjusting, but we think it is best! :)

Beach Baby

2009-05-20T11:19:00.000-07:00

Lil' Bob wasn't sure about the sand... he kinda picked it up and went..."oohh... yucky"! The water definitely scared the baby! It was gonna, "get me". Of course, he doesn't use these words yet, but the expressions are definitely communicative! :) We had a good time anyway!!!!

Robert Graham

2009-04-20T20:07:00.000-07:00

I can't believe how big my baby is getting! He's around 26 pounds and is starting to crawl backwards. Actually, he scoots rather quickly these days. He says, "Daddy" and "Papa", but not Mommy or Grammy yet! ARgh....!!! He will learn soon enough though and I'm sure I'll wish some days for him to be little again. Let's just say the Pack-N-Play gets used daily when I have to cook dinner or take a shower and Reagan's not home or is busy! I never thought I'd need it that much, but there are a lot of things I never really thought I'd need. I guess you live and learn.

Robert's favorite toys right now are his MegaBlocks, even though he doesn't build anything yet, he likes the way they taste. He likes his penguin... it's like a punching bag, and I'm not sure he really likes IT, but he likes the fact that it drives Piper crazy! He barks and runs and hides from it, and Robert, like his Mommy, loves to torment playfully!

Robert Graham loves to sing songs. Our favorites are "Let's Sing a Song About Jesus" and "This Little Light of Mine". I also started singing "Robert Graham", a song I made up to the tune of the song from Home Alone by John Williams. The theme song is very soothing and melodic, I just have added my own words. He falls to sleep quite easily when rocking, nursing, and when Mommy sings "his" song to him.

I'm enjoying every second with him most days and can't think of anything better to do with my time than to talk, sing, pray, laugh, hug, and kiss him! He is the most wonderful thing in my life besides Christ, Reagan and of course Pipoo is after him, but he is wonderful too.

I wasn't sure he would change favorite colors, but like his hair, his favorite color is red. He likes all kinds of colors, but this one definitely stands out as the best!

He loves sweet potatoes the best, and hates green beans, as we quickly discovered the first time he tried them while Grammy was visiting. He actually "shook" he hated them so much. Like father, like son, I guess. I'll have to have him try Auntie Laura's garlic green beans one day and I'm sure he'll be swayed.

His favorite time of the day is the mornings. He ALWAYS wants to get up earlier than we do! He also loves going on walks with Mommy in the stroller, especially outside. I think this will probably be one of his other first words, "OUTSIDE" because he just loves being out there. I'm sure he won't like it as much when it gets sweltering hot, but for now he will be instantly happy if he goes outside. (Kinda like Piper)! :)

I wanted to jot these things down so that I would have a record of them! He'll be 8 months next week, so I have to get all my facts straight.

Until next post, there are new pictures on Facebook and shutterfly.com!

New Pictures

2009-03-02T16:05:00.000-08:00

Where Are They?

2009-02-09T19:17:00.000-08:00

Well, after several attempts to load my latest video of RG eating rice cereal for the first time, I'm resigned to give up! I have to wait until my camera is rebooted with more battery life! Argh... I'm waiting for a camera that will last forever and has a battery that never dies! :) Still waiting... waiting... Oh well... I guess I'll have to plug this one in until I find that magic one!

Robert Graham has been sick this week and it makes me truly value our time together. He is so precious to me. I cannot believe how fast time flies when you have a little one. I know in a few days he'll be pulling Piper's tail (on purpose) and running after him. He's starting to sit up for a few seconds on his own before falling over. I really hope that this sickness doesn't cause him any setbacks in his progress, but what can you do?

I'm hanging in there, still coughing and hacking myself, but as long as Lil' Bob feels better, Mommy can't be happier! :)

I love you all and I promise more pictures soon!

New Pictures

2009-01-22T16:51:00.000-08:00

2009-01-07T10:49:00.000-08:00

Mama's baby is growing too fast! He's so precious... he rolled over for the first time the other night and we were thrilled, until he wouldn't do it again for the camera! Stinker!

He's A Clown...that Charlie Brown!

2008-12-13T13:08:00.000-08:00

Lil' Bob Charlie!

Reading with my Daddy

Lil'? Bob

2008-12-10T14:21:00.000-08:00

Getting BIG

2008-12-09T17:45:00.000-08:00

Robert Graham is growing and changing everyday. I can't believe how much he's capable of and how he moves. He sees his hands now, kicks and talks in "conversation"... SO big... such a sweet pea-pie!

I also never knew that the love would just grow each day. I can't imagine loving anyone this way more than I love Robert Graham. He is such a sweet, joyful addition to our lives. We thought the puppy made our lives happier and had an effect on our natures... but Lil' Bob definitely adds a sweet sound, a sweet smell, and another look at God's nature. When he smiles, it lights up even our darkest days. When God looks at us, he sees us this way when we belong to him. It makes me feel safe. Knowing that God sees me as His precious child, makes me eternally grateful.

First Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T19:08:00.001-08:00

Guess what Robert Graham had for Thanksgiving dinner? That's right! Turkey-flavored milk from his Mommy! Ha! Someone recently asked me if I thought it tasted different with whatever I ate... my answer is, I don't think so!?! Piper has definitely had his delicate sufficiency as well. He ate SO much turkey he's been sick twice! I think it was allergies though. Lil' Bob had a great time getting to know his Auntie Leah and was sad when she left today. Auntie Laura and Grammy are still here. He was also very down because his Papa wasn't able to come on this trip. We all had pumpkin pie without him and it was just very awfully sad. We are all about to "hit the sack" so I'll add pics of Lil' Bob in his Turkey outfit later.

I am thankful for...
Beautiful days of cool breezes and Robert Graham's little hand holding tight to mine
Fall leaves and Robert Graham looking up at me with stars in his eyes
Watching Robert learn and play
God giving Lil' Bob to me and to Reagan
Our church and how accepting they've been of our needs and Robert's needs
Jesus!

2008-11-21T10:14:00.000-08:00

Mama Kisses

2008-11-21T09:05:00.000-08:00

Snow Baby

2008-11-21T08:59:00.000-08:00

Baby It's Cold Outside

2008-11-21T08:53:00.000-08:00

We took Lil' Bob out in the snow for a few minutes today to get some pictures of him in his snowsuit! I wasn't sure he would be able to fit in it very much longer, so luckily it snowed early! :) He was not positive as to what to DO exactly with the snowflakes that fell on his "nose and eyelashes"! He was very happy this morning though and did not cry when he got cold flakes on his face. He is such a sweet and generally good-natured baby. It worries me sometimes because he doesn't cry that much!!! He's just very pleasant and happy. Here are some pictures that I promised!

My favorite one

2008-11-15T12:03:00.000-08:00

Robert Graham is my favorite baby one!

2008-11-10T20:11:00.000-08:00

Pondering

2008-11-10T20:03:00.000-08:00

I used to ponder too much and get down in the dumps about stupid things. I guess now I just feel that every time I think I might do this or get somewhat depressed, I look at my little boy and the world just seems right. I know this is sappy, but I feel like God has definitely kept me on this earth for a purpose and I've never felt more at peace about what His will is for me than now.

I've always wanted to be a Mother, and a wife, but until Robert Graham was born I never realized how the "stuff" doesn't even matter. I went to the mall today and thought if I didn't have Lil' Bob it would be easier to shop, however, my final conclusion was, that because I have him, there isn't a darn thing I want! :) I have everything I need. I have almost everything I can think of materially to want. I don't have an official paying job, but I have the BEST job in the entire world. I have the responsibility, but also, I have the opportunity to be a Mother and that is the most wonderful, most satisfying job I've ever done.

Sometimes people ask me if I miss teaching. The answer is two-fold. 1. Yes, I miss the students and the impact that I hope I made on them. 2. No, absolutely not, because I would not trade ONE smile, not one look of happiness, not even ONE tear that comes from Robert for teaching. I wouldn't trade him for a million trillion dollars. I wouldn't trade him for ANYTHING. It's amazing the love that God shows you through your child. I actually see a truly new facet of who God is by being a Mom.

Weird, huh?

My little man

2008-11-10T19:58:00.000-08:00

I love my baby one

2008-10-30T14:46:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited that Lil' Bob and I will have Thanksgiving visitors this year! YEAH!!! Both my sisters and Grammy will get to see Lil' Bob! :) He is very glad that everyone is coming because he hasn't met his Aunties yet. He is already smiling and enjoying his 3-6 month clothes even though he will only be 9 weeks tomorrow! He is growing like a weed! Grammy may not even recognize him!

We love you all!!!!

When Robert Graham Smiles

2008-10-14T14:40:00.000-07:00

When he smiles, it lights up my heart. I can't wait for my sisters to meet this beautiful boy! I can't wait for him to smile at them and laugh, and play! :) He is so much fun!

My sweet baby one

2008-10-11T19:36:00.000-07:00

So precious!

2008-10-11T19:22:00.000-07:00

Everyone always says that you can never imagine how much you'll possibly love your baby, but until you have one you are skeptical. Now, I totally understand what they are talking about! Even through all the sleepless nights, exhaustion, and poopy diapers all over the best outfits, I cannot imagine my life without this little boy. I would not take back the decision to be a Mommy at all. I can't believe how wonderful he is. It's not just the smell... yes, the baby smell of Johnson's baby wash... it's not just the fact that he depends solely on me... it's not just that my husband helped create him... it's that God has entrusted me with His child, His precious one, and He chose me and only me to be the one to feed him, to love him, and to be his Mommy.

Something else I've been thinking about is those who cannot have children. I know it is solely God's decision, but I wonder why some of us are blessed while others remain barren. I wish to ponder this further in future blogs.

First Days With Lil' Bob

2008-10-08T11:06:00.000-07:00

I have to be honest here, our first few days were rough! We celebrated Robert's first days with a lot of anxiety...will he get rid of this jaundice quickly enough, is he eating enough, will he get back up to his birth weight so we can relax a little??? All these questions and more were our thoughts as the days went by and things seemed a little slow.

One thing is for sure, God is faithful, even when we act crazy and lack the faith to even pray.