The Walters Family

Audrey and Ella

2011-02-25T12:55:00.000-08:00

Audrey Christine and Ella Grace Walters will be making their debut sometime between now and March 15!! We are so excited and can't wait to meet our newest blessings! We are also praising God for allowing me to carry Audrey and Ella this long!!! My pregnancy has been hard from the very beginning and many times I doubted whether or not these babies would make it into this world....one day I will share all of that on here but for now I wanted to share the news of their upcoming arrival! I am overjoyed, scared, nervous, and truly grateful for these miracles!!! I look forward to sharing pictures of them and introducing them when they arrive!! So, check back soon!!

We're back...... and more updates coming soon!!!

2011-02-17T13:38:00.000-08:00

Cowboy Holden.....recent picture

Melts my heart seeing my boys!! Jack is such a sweet daddy!

Yes, it has been forever since I posted but A LOT has happened over the past 8 months!!! Don't worry....I am not going to do 8 months worth of posting!! I do have a few things to share and plan on doing so in a very condensed fashion as we are preparing to welcome our twin daughters into the world sometime in the next 4 weeks!!! Thought I would post a few pics of Holden. He is such a funny, smart, sweet, and ALL BOY boy!!! Discipline is becoming harder mainly because he has developed his independence and wants to do things his way at times! I spend my days tearing up at his sweet self, cracking up at his funny self, or wanting to pinch his little head off because of his testing mommy self. He is still such a joy and mommy's heart walking around with two legs!! I am trying to enjoy every minute with him right now. I am having that "mommy guilt" about how having two new little ones will affect him. I have been reassured that this is completely normal and that he will be fine!! I really think he will be a good big brother and helper! I am so thankful for my time with him, just the two of us, and but I look forward to many wonderful times we will all have once his sisters arrive! God gave me the desire to be a mommy and now He is blessing me beyond my wildest dreams!!! Praise HIM!!!!!!!

( I did decide to share some pics from the past months!)

Orange Beach Vacation-June

H is ready to go to the pool!

Holden and Anna Claire on our vacation....bff's!

Yes, that is my son giving Obama a high five. He was at Tacky Jacks in Orange Beach when we were. DON'T agree with his politics but how many people can say they high-fived a president??

July- just playing

August- School(mother's morning out) picture day

September-Holden came home as a squirrel...he isn't picking his nose!! I just snapped the pic as he was putting his hand up!

October- GO DAWGS!

October-Pumpkin Patch on mommy's birthday!
(excuse mommy...she had just had her pic/i.v. line removed two days before!)

Halloween!! Mommy and her lion

November-watching the DAWGS play on t.v. while enjoying some ro-tel dip!

November-Seeing Mickey Mouse with GG, Meme, and Mommy

Thanksgiving Feast at MMO

Thanksgiving Day- looking through the toy catalog to make his list for Santa!

December-playing with his Gator at Meme's and Boss' house

Building with blocks......loves it!

December- just chillin'

January- grilling while daddy grills(I LOVE this picture!)

Holden's Birthday

2010-06-28T12:55:00.000-07:00

As I said in an earlier post, I can't believe my sweet baby is 2! We started the day with a candle in a donut hole( do hos as Holden called them) and singing Happy Birthday. I was too busy filming that to take pictures. Here is Holden when I went in to get him up that morning.

"NO photos this early mom....a fella needs his morning milk first!!"
.

We had Holden's birthday party at The Play Place in Ridgeland. It was sooooooo much fun! I was not stressed one bit and the kids really enjoyed themselves! Holden LOVES the Backyardigans so we went with that as a theme. Jenny Holloway did Holden's invitation(she did his last year!) and birthday banner and Emily Witcher did some thank you notes and treat bag stickers for me. They both have fabulous custom invitation, etc. businesses. I made the character cupcakes, cake, and cookies for the favors. Poor Holden's cake wasn't my best but by the time I had done the cupcakes and 50 cookies, I was running out of steam. He seemed to love them though! In keeping with the backyard adventure theme, the treat bags were filled with bubbles, play doh, stickers, sidewalk chalk, balls(4 boys) or paddle ball sets(4 girls), sunglasses-all of which are perfect for backyard adventures and a cookie and juice box for snack because at the end of every episode, the characters have some kind of snack. The stickers on the bags said "Some backyard activities just for to say thanks for celebrating Holden turning 2." Can you tell I got a little carried away?!?!? It is just so much fun celebrating your child's birthday!! I put together some photo collages to condense the number of pictures I took and wanted to share.(Double click to enlarge)

The precious invitation and banner! Thanks Jenny!!

Guests enjoying the play place

Yummy!!

Birthday cake time!! Notice how happy H was when he blew out the candle.

Present time after nap....H passed out on the way home from the party.

Hanging out with family and Sara Chesley that afternoon!

Holden loved the juice boxes! We probably could have given him a case of juice boxes instead of anything else and he would have been happy!! I usually water down his juice so he was very happy to be getting "straight" juice. He had about 6 or 7 throughout the day. Let's just say he had a big surprise for me before bedtime! I love the pic of him staring at the juice box while sitting on the slide. That was his last one and I guess he was trying to enjoy it!

Disclaimer....I shared a lot of detail because we have lots of family that could not attend and I wanted them to be well informed!

Happy Sixth Anniversary Jack!!

2010-06-04T11:42:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is our 6th anniversary so I decided to give my hubby some love since this is our "family" blog! It is hard to believe that 6 years have passed! I tell everyone that I knew that I would marry Jack before we even went on our first date..we had talked for about 3 weeks before our first date, and we talked about everything. He was the first person I felt like I could be myself with! I didn't have to be perfect all the time and he made me laugh.....both of which are still true today(he is good about making me laugh when I am upset with him about something....a trait he has passed along to Holden)! Jack is my best friend and I feel very blessed to have him in my life! A lot has happened in 6 years-completed med school, had our first child, moved three times, & started a residency program! I am soooo proud of Jack and it's neat to see his dreams become reality. I can't wait to see what the future holds for us! So, Happy Anniversary to my handsome, sweet, loving, smart, funny, & amazing husband!(great daddy too!) I loved you 6 years ago, but that love doesn't hold a candle to how I feel about you today! I love you!!

Honeymoon in Jamaica-2004

2nd Anniversary Trip to San Francisco-2006

Our life now-2010

MY BABY IS 2!!!!

2010-06-01T18:23:00.000-07:00

Holden turned two on May 8, and it is still hard to believe that my baby is already 2! The past two years have been the most memorable, awesome, hard, special, blessed, humbling, and exciting years for Jack and me! We are just in awe of God's creation and how He chose us to be this precious little boy's parents. I have ALWAYS wanted to be a mommy. So when May 8, 2008 finally rolled around, I was the happiest mommy in the world. You always hear that the Lord has a plan and His way and timing is perfect, and when I look at Holden, I know without a doubt that is true.

May 8, 2008

May 9, 2009

May 8, 2010

I know he is mine, but he is just so precious!

2010-03-10T11:10:00.000-08:00

I have a lot I want to blog about but not a lot of time right now. So, I will just share a few pictures of my little sidekick. He turned 22 months on March 8! How can it be possible that my baby will be 2 in just two months?!?!?!? I promise I think my heart triples in size every day for him. We are so thankful for him! Hope all is well in your world!! :)

Holden LOVES cars, trucks, and tractors. Jack's old matchbox
cars are his favorite right now.

My little fishy! He LOVES his baths! We plan to start swim class
soon. I have a feeling we will be swimming a lot this summer!

Enjoying some ro-tel dip

Multitasking- doing a little farming, eating,
and television watching all at once!

Holden's new camera face.....every time I take out the camera, he makes this face and says,"Chess" which means cheese of course!

Let it snow!!(February 12)

2010-02-16T09:31:00.000-08:00

Friday was quite eventful around our house! Holden saw the snow first thing that morning through our backdoor and started sayng,"wow!!" I have to admit, I was thinking wow myself! Snow covered everything and was steadily coming down. It had been a long time since I had seen that much snow. So, once I had him wrapped up like a mummy in layers of clothes and his brand new rain boots on, we headed out. The snow continued to fall the whole time we were out there. Holden loved it! He ran around talking up a storm(not sure what all he was saying) and enjoyed throwing snowballs. I tried to build a snowman but my little helper kept knocking it over. I managed to build a tiny, pitiful looking snowman and snapped a picture of it before Holden knocked it over. Holden was NOT a fan of sitting in the snow. The snow was up to the top of his boots so that tripped him up a few times. We stayed outside a while and when I couldn't feel my hands any longer and the snow started falling harder, we went inside. Holden WAS NOT happy about that! He would stay outside all day, every day no matter what the temperature or conditions were if I would let him. I am really gad he loves being outside, but I didn't want my baby to turn into a popsicle! He stopped crying when I opened his Valentine cookie(yes, it was a bribe). He and I sat on the kitchen floor, watched the snow fall, and enjoyed the yummy cookie! I love watching him experience things each day, and I am very grateful I get to!!

Smiling a big smile(although you can't see it)

Snow was a boot deep! :)

Not a fan of being in the snow

Poor snowman

And poor Holden!

Cookie made it all better!

Holden is 20 months old!

2010-01-09T12:48:00.000-08:00

Our sweet boy is 20 months! He is growing and learning so much each day, and it seems like time speeding by! In four short months, we will be celebrating the big 2nd birthday which really blows my mind!!! Time flies when you are having fun!! Here are a few things about him:

*Weighs 26lbs. 8 oz. and is between 32.5 and 33 inches
**He is becoming more and more verbal each day. New sayings:
-where is it?(with his hands up like he is asking)
-ummm, that's good
-Love you
-thank you
-i do it
-night, night
-cold
-march(while marching)
-many other things that I haven't been able to figure out yet :)
***Loves his new farm and all of his animals....he talks to them and plays with them for the longest time!
****Cars, trucks, and anything he can make go are still his favs...we love to hear him make the sounds
*****He is very observant and mimics things after seeing them once or twice
*****Still loves the Backyardigans and Imagination Movers...He also likes Curious George
*****Loves his books and has started "reading" to himself(which makes me smile)
*****LOVES to help with the dishwasher, laundry, sweeping, closing the fridge, fixing his juice, etc. and loves brushing his teeth
****Loves to throw the ball and play catch
***Carries on conversations on his play phone
****puts the shapes in the right space on his shape sorter
*****LOVES music and breaks it down when he hears it...at home, at the store, in the car, etc.
****Gets sooooooooo excited when he hears the garage door on the evening and starts screaming "dada" as soon as he hears it
*****Gives the best hugs and sugar ever and melts my heart over and over again!
As always, I bet I am forgetting many things! I hope to post Christmas stuff before Valentine's Day rolls around! :)

BLESSINGS to you in 2010!

2010-01-09T12:16:00.001-08:00

Happy 2010!! It's hard to believe that another year quickly passed and a new year is upon us!! We had a busy Christmas season and I look forward to sharing some of that on here. While watching Holden play yesterday(we chilled all day in our pjs) I was overcome with happiness....more so than I have ever felt. I quickly realized that it wasn't just happiness I was feeling....it was the wonderful feeling of God having his hand on me and making me realize just how blessed I am! He has given me a loving husband and best friend in Jack who loves me unconditionally and who works hard each day to provide for our family, I have my precious son Holden, who I prayed for for most of my life, a nice home, wonderful family, the GREATEST friends a person could have, and good health! What more could I ask for!?! Thanks to Him from whom all blessings flow! My prayer is to really focus on the joys(blessings) in life and not let negativity, from the world around me or myself , get in the way of enjoying and counting the blessings in my life! Happy 2010 to you and your family!!!

My Sweet Boys!!!

Holden is 17 months!!!

2009-10-22T12:16:00.000-07:00

It is so hard to believe that our baby boy is already 17 months old!! He is such a blessing, and jack and I are enjoying every stage of his life!! He has been on the go and has kept me very, very busy and entertained(that's the main reason I haven't blogged a lot!!!) since he turned a year old in May, and even more so since he began walking at 14 months. It warms my heart to see him experience things for the first time. I get mad at myself sometimes for not writing EVERYTHING down, but I find myself wanting to just enjoy the moment. I am jotting notes on the back of his pictures, though, so that when I put them in an album, I will remember . Here are some things he is doing/enjoying now....

Walking/running all over the place!!
Playing outside(the rain was making him very, very mad!!)
Playing with his friends and going to Mother's Morning out--O.K. I have to admit that I was really sad when I started sending him in August....He has been with me pretty much everyday since he was born. However, when I met his sweet teacher, I knew it would be a good thing. He LOVES it!! Plus, its only two mornings a week for a few hours
Mimics what you do...washing hands, eating, putting on make up(jack hates this one), brushing hair, cooking, brushing teeth, etc...it's soooooo cute!!
LOVES cars, trucks, trains
Puts his tiny hands up to his chin to say the blessing when he gets in his highchair...he giggles when you say Amen!
LOVES to dance....cutest thing ever!!!
Talking up a storm, although you must speak Holden talk to understand most of it. You can recognize daddy, mommy, bye, mmm, dog, hey, oh, wow, go, brother...when he sees wilson(the dog) he says, "Heeey bruder"(hey brother)....sooo sweet
Snuggles before bed and when he gets up on the morning
Makes the funniest faces!!!
climbs on everything
laughs at things and at himself and makes US laugh constantly!!
LOVES fruit and cheese...he did like veggies but he has started turning his nose up at them. I keep trying though.
LOVES The Backyardigans and Imagination Movers
Has precious blond curls!! (and no, i am not ready to cut them!!)
Understands what you are saying to him and can follow directions(as long as they are short and if he wants to!!)
Plays so well independently and with others( especially for a 17 month old)
Very social!!!
Knows how to work those big, blue eyes!!!
Has learned how to really turn on the waterworks and show a little temper.......if you were to walk by our house at times, you might think he was in pain or being tortured but i can assure you he is not!!!
THE ABSOLUTE BEST THING THAT HAS EVER HAPPENED TO US!!!!!!! What a joy he is!!! I'm sure I am leaving out a ton of things because he does something new every day! We love this little boy so very much!!! I am posting several pictures. Enjoy!

First Day of Mother's Morning Out

Earning his keep...ha!ha! He loves the swifter wet jet and broom

Multitasking

GQ pose

Feel asleep swinging....he loves his swing

At the mexican restaurant for daddy's birthday

Modeling his camo shirt that mommy monogrammed

"Go Dawgs"

"Laid back, watching my show, posing for the camera....hard work being this cute!"

Daddy teaching him how to blow a duck call

HAPPY 30th JACK!!!

2009-10-19T11:31:00.000-07:00

Jack turned the big 3-0 on September 14. For his big birthday, his parents, my parents, and I gave him a trip to see his favorite band, PHISH, in California at the end of October. It's what he wanted because it's part of the band's reunion tour. To celebrate his actual birthday, we had two mini celebrations. The first was with his parents and some of our sweet friends during the tailgate at the JSU/MSU game. We had a lot of fun hanging out, celebrating, and watching the DAWGS get a W!! Here are some pics from the weekend......

Friday night- wedding party for Jeff & Stevanie King

Jack and I decided to invite some fellow state fans(and of course our Auburn Tiger friends, The Bookers) over to watch the Auburn/State game the Saturday before his birthday. Then, I decided to turn it into a surprise birthday party for Jack. Let me just say that it is nearly impossible to surprise my sweet hubby. I encouraged him to go play golf that morning and when he left, Holden and I were running around like crazy trying to get things ready and hidden. I went with a tailgate theme since we were already having people over to watch the game, which really turned out great! I sent Jack on an errand and while he was gone, we all added the bday decorations which included a "run through" type sign outside accompanied by 30 maroon and white balloons!(thanks brad and maren for picking those up for me!) He was surprised, and even though State lost, we had a great time!! Holden really enjoyed walking around and suckering everyone into giving him a bite of cake! He knows how to work those baby blues of his.:) He didn't last the whole night....by about 7:45, he was ready for bed.

HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY
to a wonderful husband, friend, son, and exceptional Daddy!!!! We love you!!

A Sad Day

2009-09-27T10:32:00.000-07:00

Today, my sweet daddy would have been 57 years old....its been almost two years since he passed and it still hurts the same. Lately, I have really been struggling with missing him and second guessing myself over his care and if I could have done anything else to help him(although I know I shouldn't). People tell me that it gets better with time...you never quit missing them, but that you get to a point where you don't bust into tears when something makes you think of them.......I know that will come with time. I decided to re-post what I wrote last year because I feel the same today. This is just my way of dealing with things....................

I contemplated blogging about this because it is a rather personal thing, and I try to only blog about Holden and other happy things. However, I thought this could be a good way for me to release what I am feeling and be able to deal with it a little easier. "My therapy" I guess you could say. He went on to Heaven on November 26 of last year, and it has been hard to deal with at times and this occasion is one of those hard times. My daddy was a wonderful daddy and friend! I have the best memories of him! He was a very involved daddy and always made time to do things with me. I was a daddy's girl....his hugs could make the worst hurts somehow feel better. November 2007 was a tough month and watching my big, strong daddy become so frail was one of the hardest things. We had some good visits over that month. I kick myself a lot with "if i had only" or "i should have done..." Losing him was the toughest thing I have ever experienced. The thought of never seeing him again takes my breath and hurts like nothing has ever hurt before. But, I know that it is a part of life. I think the hardest thing for me is knowing Holden will never know his pops! Daddy was so excited about becoming pops...he would tell anyone in the hospital that I was pregnant, although I was barely showing. He talked about what all he wanted to do with his grand baby and he would be loving every minute with Holden now. I do see my daddy each time I look at my precious little boy because Holden has his eyes, just like me. I know daddy watches over us and that it is a little selfish of me to want him here on Earth, but I am only human. Sometimes a girl needs her daddy, even when she is all grown up. But, I do know that he is in a much better place, where he no longer hurts and can play all the golf he wants and watch all the football he wants, and I bet he is talking the ear off of anyone who will sit still long enough. I have peace in knowing that I will see him again one day. Anyways, I could go on and on but I don't want to get bogged down. I love and miss him very much!!

Our last Christmas together....2006

GO DAWGS!!!

2009-09-25T06:52:00.000-07:00

Running some plays to get ready for the game

Pep talk and game face on

O.k. mommy and daddy--ready to go watch the Dawgs!

We are headed to Starkville today to gear up for tomorrow's game against LSU! It will be a tough battle, but I feel like we have a shot at a win. He has a precious bubble and jonjon that he wears to the game, but this is his pre-game attire! I have a limited amount of time that his daddy will let me dress him in bubbles and jonjons. He looks soooo grown up in this jersey!

Back from my blogging break.....And Happy Belated Birthday Jack!!

2009-09-15T18:36:00.001-07:00

Wow! The past 4 months have flown by!!! We have been busy with our day to day lives and blogging has been put on the back burner until now.....some disgruntled fans(aka grandparents) have started talking about how much they wished I would update the blog, so I plan on doing so over the next few days. To be honest, each time I have started to update it, I have felt so overwhelmed with how much I haven't posted about our sweet Holden that I decide not to blog. So, I am not going to go back and try to replay everything that has happened since May....I will just blog about some things. Holden is 16 months already!!! Where did my tiny baby go??? He has had some fun adventures this summer that I look forward to sharing with you!!

HAPPY 30TH BIRTHDAY JACK!!!

I have other pics of my two boys but I love this one!! They are watching Holden's favorite show, The Imagination Movers, together. I am blessed to have a husband who works very hard every day so that I can be a stay at home mommy and wife. Holden LOVES his daddy and gets so excited each day when he hears the garage door open and it melts my heart to see that Jack is just as excited to see Holden when he comes in!

Thanks, Jack, for loving us!!! We love you so very much!!!!!

Happy Birthday part 3 (Grandparents' gifts)

2009-06-22T12:08:00.000-07:00

We are very fortunate to have grandparents who are able to do super nice things for Holden and us, especially since they live 3 hours away. The grandmothers jump at the chance to come keep Holden when I have something I need to do minus the little one or when Jack and I have something to do or just to visit. The grandfathers jump at the chance, too! Again, they are all so generous and Holden's birthday was no exception! It was like Christmas in May! Jack's parents gave Holden a fabulous swing set which was more than a "some assembly required" project. It took 3 full days to construct but was well worth the time!! My mom and step dad sent Holden a box of goodies, ranging from a riding firetruck to pajamas to musical instruments to a piano in memory of my daddy and they brought him a sand and picnic table when they came! Both grandparents also helped make the party a big success! Thanks Meme and Bossy and Grammy and Gram!! We love y'all!!

Watching Meme, Bossy, and Daddy build the swing set

Holden is making sure they stay on task!

"Remember to hydrate guys!!"

"I'm getting a swing set!!!"

(Thanks Mimsy and Pop Bailey for my hot set of wheels!)

Holden and Daddy testing it out

First time to swing on his new swing set

Opening his mail from Grammy and Gram

Checking out his piano...my pops would be proud!

Taking his new fire truck for a spin

Checking out the gifts Great Aunt Char & Great Uncle Jimmy sent....he loves boxes!

Happy Birthday part 2(The invitation)

2009-06-22T12:00:00.000-07:00

My sweet and incredibly talented friend, Jenny Holloway, designed Holden's invitation. I wanted it to be very special and something that our family could keep. I told her what I was thinking about and she created the most precious invitation for Holden. She is super creative and very economical! Thanks Jenny for helping my our baby boy's birthday so special!!!

Front

Back

Happy Birthday Holden! Part 1

2009-06-20T13:23:00.001-07:00

Well, it is hard to believe that my baby boy turned 1 on May 8! It didn't seem like a year had passed already! Being his mommy has been the most incredible, most challenging, and most rewarding thing I have ever done. He is so precious and is a daily reminder of God's love for us! I thought I would post some then and now shots and pics of what we did on his actual birthday.

May 8, 2008- 10 hours into the process...only 9 more before he arrvived!

Jack looks great! I had gained 60+ pounds by this point and the fluid they were giving me just added more. Oh well, it was sooooo worth it!

William Holden Walters

Proud Papa showing him off!

I finally got to hold him two hours later....the most remarkable moment of my life! I had waited so long to hold my baby boy! What a blessing!!

May 8, 2009- First birthday

Holden's birthday fell on a Friday so we had a family day. Daddy took off of work and we spent the day together. Grammy was also in town early to help get ready for the party on Saturday. We enjoyed the day and let Holden have a practice round with the cake. He didn't like the cake that much but we had fun with it!

Happy 5th Anniversary Jack!

2009-06-05T14:07:00.000-07:00

June 5, 2004

I have to take a moment and give a shout-out to my hubby! Today is our 5th anniversary! It is hard to believe that 5 years have passed! I knew that I would marry Jack before we even went on our first date..we talked for about 3 weeks before our first date and we talked about everything. He was the first person I felt like I could be myself with! I didn't have to be perfect all the time and he made me laugh.....both of which are still true today! Jack is my best friend and I feel very blessed to have him in my life! A lot has happened in 5 years-completed med school, had our first child, moved three times, & started a residency program! I can't wait to see what the future holds for us! So, Happy Anniversary to my handsome, sweet, loving, smart, funny, & amazing husband!(great daddy too!) I loved you 5 years ago, but that love doesn't hold a candle to how I feel about you today! I love you!!

Honeymoon in Jamaica-2004

2nd Anniversary Trip to San Francisco-2006

Our life now-2009

PRAYER REQUEST

2009-05-27T19:45:00.000-07:00

Our sweet baby will have surgery Friday morning to repair a hydrocele/hernia that he has had since birth. We had hoped it would correct itself so that he wouldn't need surgery. The thought of my baby undergoing anesthesia and surgery makes me a little nauseous. I have faith that the Lord will have his hand on the procedure and on sweet, precious Holden. However, the mommy in me can't help but worry!! Jack will get to be with him right before and during surgery and I get to go back as soon as he gets to recovery! Please pray for the doctors, nurses, Holden, and our family! Thanks so much guys! I promise to post an update about the surgery and post pics from the big, first birthday party!!

11 months-April 8

2009-05-26T09:15:00.000-07:00

O.K. so I have been out of the loop! Time is flying by way too quickly! Before I could post pics from my baby's first birthday, I had to go back and post picks from his time spent as an 11 month old!

Wake-up sleepy head

Meme was cooking and I was sewing so Holden got to play in a large bowl of water! He had a blast and was soaking wet!!

Holden visiting with Sara Chesley and sitting on Bossy's motorcycle in his leather jacket.

SUPER BULLDOG WEEKEND 2009-

Easter continued

2009-04-22T18:53:00.000-07:00

WOW!! Easter was so special this year! I have always been emotional around this time of year because of the heartbreaking, yet miraculous story of the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Christ. However, this year it really hit home because I am a mother now. I can only imagine the hurt that Mary and our Lord must have felt watching what their precious son had to endure. What a gracious Heavenly Father we have!

Jack's schedule kept us in Jackson this year, but we really had a great day!! Our day started with early service. Holden did so well and charmed the ladies in the nursery and all the women at the Piccadilly at lunch. On our way home, we stopped at the lake near our house and had a photo shoot. When we got home, Holden received two big Easter baskets full of goodies thanks to both sets of grandparents and a little help from Jack and me! He was more interested in the grass but it was so fun!!! When Holden got up from his nap, we all dyed Easter eggs. Holden REALLY wanted to drink the dye!! We did an egg for each of us, Wilson, both sets of grandparents, and one in memory of pops(my daddy). Holden and I also made Easter egg and bunny shaped brownies. It was a great day!! Jack and I are so thankful for our sweet little boy and feel so very blessed!!

(double click collages to make them bigger!)

PHOTO SHOOT(windy)

BASKET TIME

HAPPY EASTER!!

2009-04-11T13:54:00.000-07:00

Holden did great with the Easter bunny. At first he just looked at him, but then he decided he liked him.(he did the same thing with Santa) Here are the pics from our visit with the bunny. We met Sarah & Anna Claire and Cat & Jack there. I will be marathon blogging soon!! Our precious little man is 11 months old and will soon be 1 year!!! Time flies when you're having fun!! Hope you all have a blessed Easter!!

"Hmmmm..."

"Cheese!!"

Holden and Anna Claire chatting while waiting .

Anna Claire with the bunny

Jack and his ducky

4 new posts!

2009-02-27T06:00:00.000-08:00

I am once again trying to catch up. I have to confess that I am now on facebook, and I have been spending my free time(not that I have a lot of that) on there reconnecting with high school and college friends! Holden turns 10 months March 8 so I need to post his 9 month stuff before that! HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!! :)

Valentine's day

2009-02-26T07:54:00.000-08:00

We were feeling the love at the Walters house on Valentine's Day! Mommy felt very lucky to have two wonderful fellas in her life! Although we had said were not doing gifts, Jack and Holden surprised me with a massage gift certificate. Wasn't that sweet?!?! Holden was showered with lots of cards from family, books and clothes from Meme and Bossy, clothes and the talking Elmo doll from Grammy and Gram, and Dr. Seuss books from mommy and daddy! It was more like Christmas for Holden! He was, of course, the most treasured gift for all of us! Jack and I got to go to dinner with our good friends the Bookers and Smithermans. We had such a great time! I think Holden had a good time, too, with Grammy and Gram. He was worn out Sunday!

But I have to say that the best example of love that we see each day when we look at Holden is from our Heavenly Father.- "God is Love."~1 John 4:16

Talking to Elmo

Take that Elmo
Grammy and Holden

Jack and me at dinner

Sarah, me, and Deidre

Playdates and the park

2009-02-26T07:47:00.001-08:00

"Umm...mom...I think this is against safety regulations so could you get me out of here!" Anna Claire seemed pretty happy!
My friend Sarah and I have been getting together pretty regularly since she had Anna Claire. It has been good for us to talk, compare notes, and let the kids get to know each other. Recently, we have started meeting at the park with some other friends since the weather has been nice. It is so good to talk to other moms and let our kids have a break, too! Holden LOVES other children so he really enjoys it.

We are very lucky to have a nice park at the entrance to our subdivision. Holden and I stroll there a lot and he is beginning to like the swings, although he wasn't too sure at first!

AND we love when we have visits from other good friends!! Jack and I are blessed with so many great friends, and it is nice to know that Holden has some good friends, too!

At the park with mommy-

First time in the swings

"WEEEEEE!"

"O.K..this isn't so bad!"

Play group a the park-

"Not quite sure about this mom!"
Anna Claire was enjoying herself!

My friend Susan's baby boy Eli was with us, too. He is a little too young for swinging though.

Visiting with Bootsie, GG, Mrs. Ashley, and Meredith-

Starkville trip

2009-02-26T07:37:00.000-08:00

A few weeks back, we went to Starkville to visit Jacks parents and to attend the MSU basketball game. We even got to have lunch with two of Jack's oldest friends and their families before the game. Christian, Brooke, Braden, and baby Madelyn Preus(due in june) and Will and Maggie Estess and their twins boys Ethan and Chase. Will is Holden's Godfather and it was his first time to meet him because Maggie was about to have their boys when Holden was Christened. We had a lot of fun, and Jack and I even did a doube feature at the movies. We LOVE going to the movies and took advantage of having babysitters.

Holden and Bossy Holden and Meme

Going for a stroll

Holden loves strolling"This is the life!"
Our basketball seats are GREAT!!

Christian, Braden, J and H, & Will, Ethan, & Chase

8 months(january 8)

2009-02-25T07:41:00.001-08:00

Holden was 8 months old on January 8. He weighed almost 19 lbs. and as between 27.5 and 28 inches. This was a BIG month for Holden.

*He cut 3 teeth between the second and third week.

*He began drinking formula only which led to him holding his own bottle. It was so cute seeing him do this the first few times.(although it made mommy a little sad)

*He began moving all over the place by scooting on his bottom.

*He learned to get in sitting position from his tummy.

*He began babbling a lot more to us and to his toys.(dada is still the only word we've heard)

*He loves to growl at us, his toys, and random people in public.

*He started pulling up in his bed and on other objects.

AND the biggest change was.................SLEEPING THROUGH THE NIGHT!!!

After about 5 months, this was a huge change!! His nights had gotten progressively worse and had gotten to the point where he was waking up every 20-40 minutes from 7:30pm to 7:00am. I have to admit that it was tough being up that much at night and trying to function during the days. I did it though and am thankful that the Lord gave me the strength and patience to do it as long as I did. I did enjoy lots of cuddle time with my Holden during that time, but we both needed more sleep. He is doing great now and has even began to nap better. I love being a mommy and wouldn't trade any moment, tough or not!

Love this face!!

Holding his own bottle

"I LOVE my bat!"

helping with the laundry

chillin' with his toys and watching mickey mouse

playing with his good friend Anna Claire

MANY posts & I NEED HELP!

2009-02-06T08:58:00.000-08:00

So I finally posted everything from December and most of January.....just in time for Valentine's Day!! :) I did collages because it was a quicker way of posting so many pics but now I have a problem....WHY WON"T THEY ENLARGE WHEN YOU DOUBLE CLICK ON THEM??? If anyone can help me with this, please leave a comment. Thanks!! I have more posts to come. I guess I will combine Holden's 8 month post with his 9 month post because he will be 9 months in two days. Maybe I will get caught up one day!

TEETHING!!

2009-02-06T07:24:00.001-08:00

Poor Holden has been teething for months now!! The second weekend of January was a big weekend. He began drinking from a bottle at every feeding and he had a tooth break through. Within the next few days, two more popped out. We had the classic symptoms with the first tooth but the second two just caused a little discomfort. Now, we have two more trying to make an appearance and they seem to be bothering him a lot at times!! Here are some pics of him chewing on ANYthing he can get in is mouth.

Holden's grinch face

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

2009-02-05T15:24:00.000-08:00

HAPPY 3RD BIRTHDAY SARA CHESLEY!!

We took a family trip to Cleveland to celebrate my dear friend Mary Susan's daughter's birthday. It is so hard to believe that it has been 3 years since I broke speed limits to be in Clarksdale for her birth! They are so special to us!! It was so much fun being there and Jack was able to go with us! (Double click to make collage bigger)

A lot of our friends had birthdays right before and right after Christmas! Bless their hearts. I'm sure their birthdays tend to get lost in the holiday hustle and bustle. We didn't get to celebrate with everyone, but we wished them lots of love and many more birthdays to come!! Here are some pics from the celebrations we were a part of!

Happy Birthday Susan Puckett!

Lorie, Me, Lexie, SUSAN, and Ashley(I love these gals!!)

Susan and I taught together and she is such a wonderful friend!! (bootsy to Holden). I had a blast celebrating at Sal and Mookies!! Lorie and Lexie also celebrated birthdays, but due to a sick baby and Jack's schedule, I missed celebrating with them! Happy birthday girls!!

Christmas Day

2009-02-05T14:59:00.000-08:00

Santa brought lots of great things to Jack's parents house. Walking out with Holden to see his first Santa was so special. He loved his presents, especially his MS state cowbell and hat. He chewed on the bell and wore his hat almost the whole time we were opening presents. Thanks Bossy and Meme for our great gifts!!

Christmas Eve

2009-02-04T09:48:00.001-08:00

Christmas Eve was a busy day. I decided that we needed to make cookies for Santa since it was Holden's first Christmas while I was making a homemade chocolate cake to take to Christmas Day dinner with my family. I rolled out the dough and cut some cookies out. Holden patted out a few of the cookies(with a little help from Meme) and we decorated them when they came out of the oven. I think he liked putting his hand in the dough! I look forward to baking with him a lot!! The day was filled with preparing for the night's festivities...my in-laws always have family and friends over for chili and hot tamales after Christmas Eve service. It's always so fun because both of our parents are there, and it is fun seeing everyone! We went to Christmas Eve service at the Methodist church and it was BEAUTIFUL as always. I got choked up during "O Holy Night"(thanks Aubrey!!) and Holden did GREAT!! He fell asleep at the beginning, slept through me carrying him through the communion line and through the service until the end. He woke up as we were standing with our candles to sing. He started babbling very loudly(he was singing) but stopped when we all stopped singing! Is he smart or what?? It was so special for Jack and me to be at our home church with our precious son!!! After everyone left that night, we helped Santa with a few things...so much fun!! Thank you Lord for the miracle of your Son and ours, too!!

Cookie time!!

Before church

Precious Holden

Santa presents with Grammy and Gram

2009-02-04T08:49:00.000-08:00

We did "Santa" a couple of days before Christmas with my mom and stepdad. Holden had a blast opening packages. He was way more interested in the paper and boxes than he was the presents! We got really nice things and had a great time! Thanks Grammy and Gram!

"Wow!! Look what I got!!" (along with a lot of clothes & yes, i do put socks on Holden. He always takes the off!!)

PRESENT TIME

Anesthesia Christmas party

2009-02-04T08:44:00.000-08:00

Jack is a first year Anesthesia resident at UMC. We attended the Anesthesia department's Christmas party at Old Capital Inn, and it was so much fun!! It was black tie optional and decorated like a beautiful wedding reception. Good food+ good friends+ good band=GREAT TIME!! We can't wait until next year's party!!

Christmas with the Reynolds Family(my mom's brothers and sisters)

2009-01-29T13:05:00.000-08:00

We were so glad that Jack was able to get the week of Christmas off. This was our last one to spend in Clarksdale now that we have Holden and will be receiving Santa from now on. So, we were VERY busy visiting with our families and still didn't get to see everyone! Holden has a blast!! We always get together with my mom's brothers and sisters. My cousin Kristin and her husband Sean hosted this year. They are newlyweds and had our family and Sean's family over for some Christmas cheer. I didn't get pics of everyone but here is what I got. I was too busy eating!!

Let it snow!!

2009-01-29T12:50:00.000-08:00

When it snowed back in December I had to take Holden's picture with it because it was his first snow!! I had him wrapped up like an eskimo and sat him in his bouncy on the front porch. After that, I took him out back and let him feel the snow on the ground. We also sat at our kitchen windows and looked at it falling from the sky. He really liked it! I told him to enjoy it because who knows when we will see it again!

Where did December and half of January go??

2009-01-16T07:54:00.000-08:00

Hello!! We are still alive and things are great although the past month and a half seem like a blur!! I have a lot to post so be prepared for several posts in the next few days. I got a new camera for Christmas but I have to get a card reader in order to upload pics so that may take a few days, too. Anyways, Christmas was sooooo much fun with Holden!! Being a mother made me appreciate the Christmas story even more! I found myself choking up a lot when I would hear songs or sermons about Mary, Joseph, and the miracle of Jesus. Faith Hill's "A Baby Changes Everything" really got me! We are all nervous, scared, anxious, etc when expecting but imagine being in Mary's shoes. If that happened today, imagine the controversy. She would be given a one way ticket to a mental institution. Anyways, the Lord works wonders and miracles in many ways...I'm just thankful for his sacrifices that allow me, a sinner, to be blessed daily!! I'll stop my preaching now! I had to share what had been placed on my heart!:)
Around the first of December, Holden and I met Deidre and Mary Martin at Northpark Mall for pictures with Santa. I wasn't sure how Holden would like Santa, but figured we would give it a try! Well, he LOVED Santa. He dove in his lap and loved it! The pictures were great!! Sweet Mary Martin wasn't a big fan but she is older and I can see how Santa can be scary. Holden probably won't like him next year! It was fun to experience our first Santa visit with special friends!! Here are some pics!!

My favorite!!! How cute?!?!

Take 2....liked this one, too!!

7 months old already!!! December 8

2008-12-10T11:27:00.000-08:00

7 months old

18 lbs/15 ounces(1 ounce away from 19!!) and 27 inches long

(he grew an inch and gained almost a pound in November!!)

We are having so much fun with Holden!! Its hard to believe that 7 months have passed already!! He has such a great personality and is easily entertained! He still loves to play on the floor with his toys which makes us so excited about Santa! He loves to watch Mickey Mouse, Sesame Street, and the Backyardigans.....he loves the colors and the music. We let him watch them when we are fixing his breakfast in the morning and for a little bit after. Of course he loves his food and is really into books now. We read them to him, but he is more interested in chewing on the pages or turning the pages. It is so fun to watch him try to figure out how to do things or pick things up. He is very inquisitive and will watch things so intently. The Christmas tree, decorative reindeer, and Wilson are his favorite things to stare down. He can go from the seated position to his tummy and push himself up on his front hands and kick his feet. He hasn't figured out how to get up on his knees yet so he basically looks like a fish. He has also started pulling himself up on things. He may be one of those who walks soon after he crawls. Poor mommy!! He still loves to watch football but prefers to do it while playing with his toys. No teeth yet although he has been teething for 3 months now. You can feel three trying to come in...poor baby!! He loves to swing and be outdoors.He is steadily learning new sounds and octaves. When we go shopping or anywhere he talks to everyone and smiles his killer smile. Jack and I are so grateful for the blessing he is and for the absolute joy he brings to each day!! When he hugs us or snuggles up in our arms, we melt. Thank you Lord for our baby boy!!

watching mickey mouse

chewing on my silver teething rattle(it was my daddy's)

cheese!!!!!

cheese again!!!!!!!!!!

checking out my walker; my legs aren't quite long enough!

hmmm....I like playing with these things! Thanks grammy!!

Thanksgiving 2008

2008-12-10T08:24:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving!!(a little bit late)

Poor Jack has been working so hard and his days off are very limited so we decided to have Thanksgiving dinner at our house. The festivities began Wednesday night. We had my mom, Jack's parents, and Uncle Gibson and his family over for taco soup. Thursday, we had my mom, Jack's parents, Unlce Ed and Aunt Patsi for the big feast. The food was soooooooo good!!! We ate way too much, watched some football, and enjoyed visiting with one another! Holden had a great day and showed off all his tricks. Thanksgiving was somewhat bittersweet for me...I am truly thankful for God's blessings on our family and for our precious baby boy!! However, this was my first Thanksgiving without my daddy because he passed away a few days after Thanksgiving last year. I know he was there with us that day in spirit and that gave me peace. I hope everyone had a great holiday!!

Holden and Uncle Ed swinging
More pictures

Delta's Most Beautiful

2008-12-08T11:32:00.000-08:00

See next post for details! :)

Double Click to enlarge

November- Our Delta visits

2008-12-08T10:33:00.000-08:00

We made a couple of quick trips to the Delta in November. We hadn't been home since August so it was time. Our first trip was to Clarksdale and Marks to visit with family and to attend Delta Academy's Most Beautiful pageant. Mary Susan's little sister, Valerie is a senior and was in the pageant. I did her hair and makeup two years ago when she was in it and placed 1st alternate(she should have won) and she asked me to do it again this year. She was stunning....my job was easy-she is so beautiful just as she is so we just highlighted her features. She really didn't need me! Mary Susan is one of my oldest and dearest friends(thats why she is Holden's Godmother) and we have been friends since Valerie was only a few months old so I feel like Val is my little sister. Boy did I feel old sitting there watching grown up, 17 year old Valerie compete. She was 1st alternate again(she REALLY should have won) and we were all so happy. We were also able to spend some time with my parents, Jack's parents and with some of my mom's brothers and sisters and with some other friends. Our second trip was to Cleveland for Mary Susan's 30th birthday. She was really surprised, and it was a lot of fun hanging out with friends. Time flew by on both trips, though!! I didn't get any pics of Mary Susan's party due to a dead camera and we missed some other photo opps too. Enjoy the pictures we were able to take!
My Uncle Lynn, Uncle Andy, and Aunt Sharon with Holden (no, Holden isn't upset because his Uncle Andy is an Ole Miss fan :)...he is tired of me trying to get my camera to work!!)

Holden and Grammy(my mom)

Bossy(jack's daddy) and Holden-Holden looks like his mini me at times!

6 month pics and captions

2008-12-01T13:25:00.000-08:00

Playing in my jumparoo....I love it!!!

Pics of me playing hard
Mommy and me...she's interrupting my bongo solo.

Me in my rubber ducky tub....I love it, too!! I REALLY like the washclothe!!

Helping mommy with mail...my job never stops.

Chillin' and watching some football with daddy.

"YUMMY......I love to eat-even prunes are good!!"

"My mommy is silly...she is making me laugh!"

6 months- November 8 (a little late)

2008-11-30T18:18:00.000-08:00

Holden-6 months

Holden posed himself.....he put his arm on vampire pumpkin's arm.

WOW!! Where did November go?!?! It went by way too quickly!! Holden was 6 months old on November 8. He weighed 18 pounds and was 26 inches long at our doctor's visit. He is such a joy! He is sitting on his on now...we started the month with him needing a little support but now he is completely independent with sitting. He can sit and play with his toys forever. He is such a happy and social baby. Whenever we take him somewhere, he just looks around and talks to people and flirts with the ladies. yes, I have a "ladies man" on my hands. He loves to feel different textures and can give the best sugar. He also gives himself sugar on a mirror when you say "give the baby sugar." He is now in his rubber ducky bath tub and loves to play with his disco ducks that light up while taking his bath.(thanks fran!) He is so vocal now and is learning new sounds and pitches. He also loves music....guess he doesn't have much choice with parents like us! He reaches for me and for Jack(which melts our hearts) and when Jack comes in at night, Holden kicks his legs and waves his arms because he is so excited to see his daddy. He is really thinking about crawling although he hasn't quite figured out how to do it yet. He is fascinated by Wilson but the feeling is NOT mutual. Hopefully, that will change. He is reaches for everything and has quite a powerful grip...he has grabbed many handfuls of mommy's hair. He still LOVES to watch football. He will stop what he is doing to watch. Again, we are so blessed to have such a sweet and healthy baby!! I only wish I could freeze time for a bit. :) Check back for more 6 month and Thanksgiving pics. I hope to have them posted in a day or so.(atleast by Christmas..ha!ha!)

The Vampire Pumpkin

2008-11-26T08:14:00.000-08:00

Meme sent Holden a vampire pumpkin kit to decorate a pumpkin for Halloween. It was like Mr. Potato Head but with a pumpkin instead of a potato. We had a blast doing this with Holden and plan to make it a tradition each year. I made a slide show with captions...the pics are in order. Enjoy!!! Thanks Meme!!

slideshow - Powered by Smilebox" src="http://www.smilebox.com/globalImages/blogInstructions/blogLogoSmileboxSmall.gif" width=386>

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Holden the Goldfish

2008-11-06T15:35:00.000-08:00

Holden was so precious in his goldfish costume. He really enjoyed watching the trick or treaters. We all sat on our front porch and gave out candy, until we ran out. We have never lived in a neighborhood with trick or treaters before so I wasn't sure how much candy I should purchase. I spent a small fortune on candy and still made a little kid cry when we ran out. I felt like such a dog!! We know now how much to buy and Jack learned not to give big handfuls of candy to each kid. Anyways, Holden's first costume experience went pretty well. Hope you enjoy seeing our lil fishy!!

"O.K. I have had enough!!"
"RELIEF!!" "Ahhh...Ilove my Halloween jammers!!"

Fran's Wedding

2008-11-06T12:46:00.000-08:00

Mrs. Fran Strehlow

A couple of weeks ago, I was in my former roommate's wedding. Fran was such a beautiful bride, and she married a super guy!! They are a precious couple, and the wedding showed how much they loved each other, and how much they love the Lord. What a celebration!! Frannie(what i call her) and I had some fun times back in college, and I look forward to many more fun times to come!

Hubby and me at the rehearsal dinner

Wedding festivities

The big 3-0!!

2008-10-21T18:42:00.000-07:00

Well Friday, October 17 was my 30th birthday! I must say, I wasn't sure how I truly felt about turning 30. No longer being in my 20's kind of scared me. Don't know why, but it did. However, once the day arrived, I realized how fortunate I was to be turning 30 and to have all my dreams come true. I have a wonderful husband who loves me unconditionally, a beautiful miracle in Holden, my loving yorkie, WONDERFUL family, the GREATEST friends in the world, a fabulous home, and great health. So, it ended up being the best birthday yet! I look forward to my next 30 years, which I know will be even better!!

How did I celebrate??--

Thursday- I got a massage.

Friday- I changed my hair- I am now a dark blonde with shorter, more fun hair thanks to my friend Heather who owns Oasis salon and spa in Pearl!! Then, I went home and spent the day with my little man and mom. Jack was on call.

Saturday- We all went to lunch and mom, H, and I went browsing at Target. Then, Jack took me to Atlantica Grill which was YUMMY!!! When, we got back home, several of my sweet friends surprised me with a party. Jack had arranged it, with some help, and it was great. Jack apologizes to those of you he was unable to reach. He was trying to get email addresses off of some old emails I had sent so he missed a few of you!! They had another cake and balloons and gifts for me. I felt like a kid again!! SOOOOO much fun!!

Friday's activities pics: Hanging out with my baby boy and mom. Mom was taking the pics so she isn't in any.(boo)? I LOVE the first picture of us playing. We have so much fun!!

The bottom, middle picture shows Holden jamming his hand into the side of the cake. I had to act fast to get the chocolate off of his hands before it made it to his mouth.

Saturday's activites pics:

First pic is Holden at lunch decked out in his MSU attire. Iguess he knew what the outcome of that night's game would be. Notice the facial expression! The collage is pics from the evening. They had balloons and 30 curly ribbon everywhere!! Thanks guys!! It really meant a lot to me having you there and thanks for the GREAT presents!! Sorry to all the men....I didn't get any up close pictures of the guys, but that could be due to the fact they were busy watching the game. Boys will be boys!! :)

AND ......thanks to all who text, called, e-mailed, or sent me a card!! It was such a memorable birthday!!

More 5 months pics

2008-10-21T18:09:00.000-07:00

Little man has quite the personality these days! He is so animated and has a new trick each day. Here are some things he is doing or enjoys these days:

*He can hug and snuggle which melts mommy's heart!!

* He loves outside- strolling, swinging, sitting

*He smiles and laughs a lot now, especially when you tickle him

*He can sit unsupported for a little bit but usually falls forward when he reaches for a toy.

* He has great hand/eye coordination and reaches for everything!

*He rolled over once last week but looks at me like I am crazy when I try to get him to do it again.

*He is enjoying tummy time a tiny bit more now and can push up on his arms when he wants to.(key words being when he wants to! :))

*He likes his jumparoo/excersaucer mush more these days. He looks like a little rabbit jumping around and he figured out how to spin himself around. He will stay in that thing for a while now.

*He still loves food!! (now 17lbs 6 oz.)

*He loves music, especially on Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Backyardigans.

*He is not happy with mommy at times now because i am trying to get him on a schedule to help with his sleep. (hardest thing I have EVER done. Thanks for your support Sarah!!)

WE LOVE THIS PRECIOUS ANGEL!!!

Tummy time- Pops(my daddy) would be proud of Holden's piano skills!!(click to make larger)

"WZUP?"

The Bankstons gave this outfit to Holden. He looks so cute in it and I couldn't resist turning the hat sideways!!

Holden and Bossy(Jack's daddy) at the Vandy game

Holden passed out in his stroller after tailgating with everyone.

5 months old

2008-10-14T13:14:00.000-07:00

5 months old

17 pounds

( I just LOVE that buddha belly!!)
Our baby boy turned 5 months old on October 8! He is such a sweetie!! We haven't taken a monkey picture in a while so I decided to do a photo shoot with monkey. Well, now that Mr. H can grab things, it was a little bit harder to get one. I put together the following collage. The picture of him in the blue outfit was when he was about 6 weeks old. It is amazing to see how much he has grown and changed.(click on it to make it larger)

I thought I would share some of the things he really likes these days. First off, we started stage one foods a couple of weeks ago. He LOVES applesauce, squash, sweet potatoes, carrots, and pears. He DOES NOT like bananas. He is NOT SURE about green peas. We plan to try peaches and green beans soon. Here are some pictures of him eating his fruits and veggies. He still loves his rice cereal!

Check back soon....more 5 month updates to come!!

Lots to share!!

2008-10-06T09:56:00.000-07:00

I know I don't have to share every picture we take, but Holden has taken some precious pictures lately!! Excuse how many I am about to post! I am one proud mommy!! Two weeks ago, we went to the dr. for the rest of our second round of shots. Bless his little heart...he had a little reaction to them and was up most of that night and ran fever on into the next night. He was a trooper, though! He weighed 16 lbs. 4 oz. then and was over 25 inches long. He is growing!!

"Am I cool or what?"- taking a stroll with mommy and cookie

Hard day of playing

After shots Sick baby- day after his shots

Holden's first trip to pick out pumpkinsHappy with his pumpkin choices

Bath time!!

"Where are we going now mom?"

Bumbo, jumparoo, and bouncy time!!

2008-09-30T07:02:00.000-07:00

Baby boy is enjoying play time these days. He likes his bumbo because he wants to sit up on his own. His friends monkey and cookie play with him a lot! He loves them!

"Yes, cookie. You are my favorite friend, but don't tell monkey!!"

"You talkin' to me???"
Other pics...

A little sad......(my daddy's birthday)

2008-09-26T12:41:00.000-07:00

I contemplated blogging about this because it is a rather personal thing, and I try to only blog about Holden and other happy things. However, I thought this could be a good way for me to release what I am feeling and be able to deal with it a little easier. "My therapy" I guess you could say. September 27 would have been my daddy's 56th birthday(young, I know). He went on to Heaven on November 26 of last year, and it has been hard to deal with at times and this occasion is one of those hard times. My daddy was a wonderful daddy and friend! I have the best memories of him! He was a very involved daddy and always made time to do things with me. I was a daddy's girl....his hugs could make the worst hurts somehow feel better. November was a tough month and watching my big, strong daddy become so frail was one of the hardest things. We had some good visits over that month. I kick myself a lot with "if i had only" or "i should have done..." Losing him was the toughest thing I have ever experienced. The thought of never seeing him again takes my breath and hurts like nothing has ever hurt before. But, I know that it is a part of life. I think the hardest thing for me is knowing Holden will never know his pops! Daddy was so excited about becoming pops...he would tell anyone in the hospital that I was pregnant, although I was barely showing. He talked about what all he wanted to do with his grand baby and he would be loving every minute with Holden now. I do see my daddy each time I look at my precious little boy because Holden has his eyes, just like me. I know daddy watches over us and that it is a little selfish of me to want him here on Earth, but I am only human. Sometimes a girl needs her daddy, even when she is all grown up. But, I do know that he is in a much better place, where he no longer hurts and can play all the golf he wants and watch all the football he wants, and I bet he is talking the ear off of anyone who will sit still long enough. I have peace in knowing that I will see him again one day. Anyways, I could go on and on but I don't want to get bogged down. I love and miss him very much!!

This is a picture taken Christmas 2006,

which was our last Christmas together. It was such a good holiday!

HAPPY 2ND BIRTHDAY MARY MARTIN!!!

2008-09-22T09:54:00.000-07:00

Holden was invited to his very first birthday party!! It was Mary Martin Booker's 2nd birthday and the party was at Pump It Up. For those of you who do not know Mary Martin, she is a little miracle!! Her mom Deidre, who is a great friend of mine, developed HELP syndrome and had to deliver MM at 29.5 weeks ,and we almost lost both of them. That was one of the scariest times in my life, and I am thankful that they are both great now!! MM weighed a whopping 2 lbs. and spent 6 weeks in the NICU. But thanks to a lot of prayer, she is a smart and healthy little girl and a great blessing in all our lives!!!

Birth

At her 2nd birthday party Holden had a great time and did so well!! He even made some new friends!! He was especially intrigued by Keegan, a precious little boy who is about two weeks younger than him. Mary Martin had a big time sliding and jumping, and of course, Deidre had the cutest invitations, decorations, cake, and party favors! We had a great time guys!! Thanks for inviting us!!

Below are some pictures from the party.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADDY!!!

2008-09-19T12:03:00.002-07:00

O.K. so I am a little late posting this, but Sunday, Sept. 14 was Jack's birthday! My parents, Holden, and I had Rendezvous ribs fed exed to Jackson as a surprise for him. It is hard to surprise him, but I think we did a good job. I made him take a picture eating his ribs to capture the moment. The ribs were sooooo good!! Here are some pictures from Jack's day!

Jack, I hope you know how much I love you and how thankful I am to be your wife!! Holden is very lucky to have you as his daddy, too!! We hope you had a great birthday!!!

Breakfast with Holden

Enjoying his ribs

Feeding Holden

3-2: What a game!!!

2008-09-19T12:03:00.001-07:00

Last weekend, we headed back to Starkville for the game. Our friends, Deidre, George Robert, and Mary Martin Booker stayed the weekend with us, along with another friend, Shari. The Bookers are Auburn Tiger fans and this made year number three that we attended this particular match up together. Ofcourse, the Walters and Shari are Dawg fans and we were so disappointed with the outcome. It was a great defensive showdown between the two teams and we had a chance to beat them. However, they ended up with a victory. The atmosphere at the game was the best it has been in a long time. Hopefully, we'll get things turned around tomorrow at GA Tech. Mary Martin and Holden stayed at the house with my mom(thanks grammy!!) so we could all go tailgate and go to the game. Here are some pictures of them. Instead of the saying a house divided, this is a friendship divided. I have to say though, Mary Martin almost made me want to cheer War Eagle when she walked out in her precious uniform! They are too cute!!!

Mary Martin says, "WAR EAGLE!!"

First photo attempt- they are too cute!!

The best we could do with a 4 month old and two year old.

4 months old- September 8

2008-09-16T18:21:00.000-07:00

4 months old- 15lbs and 11.5 ounces

Holden was 4 months old on September 8. He has the best little personality and is starting to discover a lot of things around him. He is so strong and wants to sit up so badly! His new things are blowing bubbles, playing with his monkey and cookie monster, playing with his newly found feet, and talking nonstop in the cutest little voice. He seems to learn something new every day. We think the prevacid is beginning to help him with the reflux. When he feels good, he just plays and giggles!! Can't believe it has already been 4 months, but they have been wonderful!!! Happy 4 months lil man!!! You are loved sooooooooo much!!

Cutie pie!! OUR greatest blessing!!

Loving his cereal!!

Chillin' with his new friend cookie! He LOVES him!!

Watching football--he LOVES it!!

Yum!! Yum!! Cereal is good!

2008-09-08T19:24:00.000-07:00

Holden had his first cereal feeding Sunday night. Due to his reflux, he now takes prevacid, and we give it to him in his cereal. At first, he was a little hesitant, but quickly decided he liked it. He did so good and was so precious! We kept with the theme of the weekend by wearing a MSU bib(thanks Bootsie!) when he ate.

At the beginning of his feeding.....

At the end of his feeding...he loved it!! How cute is that face???

We love this little boy so much!!

Big Weekend

2008-09-08T11:19:00.000-07:00

We had been looking forward to our first MSU game for so long because it would be Holden's first MSU experience. Poor baby and I ended up at the doctor's office Friday morning because he hadn't been able to eat or sleep well for most of the week. One thing I know about baby boy is that he LOVES to eat! So, when he couldn't and cried because he wanted to, we knew something was up. He has been on medicine for a while for reflux and it had helped most of the time. Well, the reflux has gotten worse and we have stepped it up on the meds(Prevacid). Hopefully, once it gets in his little system soon, he will be better. While we were there, she went ahead and gave him the first round of his second shots. So, now the reflux and shots made him not feel well. But, sweet little man still charmed the ladies at Walgreens when we went to get his medicine! Needless to say he was worn out by the time we headed to Starkville. All mommy wanted was for him to feel better! Well, bless his little heart...we gave him malox and tylenol and he went to sleep at about 8:45 and slept until 4 am!!!!!!! I checked to make sure he was breathing a few times because he was so sound asleep. He and I both needed that!! :)
We got up and while I got ready to go tailgate, Jack and Holden watched college game day together on ESPN. I got the cutest pics of them!! Meme and Bossy also played with Holden while we were getting ready. I must say, Holden looked extremely cute in his MSU outfit. We walked around and introduced him to lots of friends and by game time, he was exhausted. He wouldn't nap all day because he was watching everything that was going on. He was so good although the only pics we got of him make it look like he was not interested. Hopefully we will get some better pictures of him this weekend. Meme took him back to their house and we stayed and watched the Dawgs win.(THANK GOD!) Here are some pictures from our trip.

My boys watching college gameday.

Mommy and her Little Bulldog!

Family Pictures

Uncle Brad and Holden-

(Brad is Jack's good friend, and he has been so sweet to Holden!)

Uncle Brad, Holden, and Maren

Sunday with Meme on the swing- Poor baby was worn out!!!

15 weeks-August 28

2008-09-03T10:19:00.000-07:00

15 weeks old
Little man weighed 14 pounds 10 ounces on his 15 week birthday. He is so precious!! Here are some pictures of what he has been up to. Enjoy!!

Bear skin rug fun- Holden really likes playing on this furry bear. If you look back at an earlier post titled Naked Baby Alert you can really tell how much he has grown. He really likes playing in his diaper only!

"Hey mommy. Take this outfit off so I can really have fun!!"

"Thanks!! I'm having fun now!!"

"Hey daddy! Check out my six pack abs!! Jealous, aren't you??"

Olympic Practice

He is so cute after he wakes up or when you change his diaper because he puts his hands over his head and stretches like he is about to do a filp or dive into the water like Michael Phelps.

He is sooooo long! Looks like we may have a tall boy!!

The Jumparoo- His feet barely touch the ground, but he can make it move. I know once he can touch the floor, he'll be jumping all the time! He likes to play in it for a little while at a time now.

"Hey mommy! This is pretty neat. "

So precious!!!

His stuffed monkey- Because we are already teething, he puts EVERYTHING in his mouth. Here are some pics of Holden showing the monkey who is boss.

Shout outs to the family

2008-09-01T18:40:00.000-07:00

WOW! A lot of celebrationg has been going on around our house. MeMe and Bossy(Jack's parents) celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary on August 24 and MeMe's birthday was on August 27. She came down and spent the day with us. I made her lunch and Jack, Holden, me, and her had lunch together. We ate on our pretty china and used our silver. It was fun to get to celebrate with her and use our nice things. Happy Anniversary and Happy Birthday!! We love y'all!!!

Grammy and Gram(my mom and fireman) came down for the weekend to visit and celebrate their anniversary on August 31. We had a great weekend with them and they babysat for us each night. Jack and I got to go to dinner Friday night with George Robert and Deidre to celebrate Deidre's birthday, and we went to watch the MSU football game with friends Saturday night. Thanks Grammy and Gram! Happy Anniversary! We love y'all!!

14 weeks- August 21

2008-08-22T12:50:00.000-07:00

(He isn't as big as this picture makes him look. The outfit is a little too big but we it is so cute!! )

Holden weighs 14 pounds 5 ounces. He is a HEALTHY boy!!!

Holden is now 14 weeks old. Time flies when you are having fun and boy are we!! It seems as though he learns a new trick each day. His smile is unbelievable and melts all our hearts(especially mommy's!!). He loves to babble and coo A LOT!! He is so smart though because whenever I try to catch it on video or let the grandparents hear him on the phone, he stops. The minute I turn off the camera or hang up the phone, he starts again! He talks to the tv too! He doesn't watch that much, but he is fascinated by the colors. He loves other kids--guess its because they are on his level. I LOVE the show Jon and Kate Plus 8 on TLC about a family of twins and a set of sextuplets. I get some good ideas from Kate. Back to my point--Holden talks to the little kids on that show. SOOOO cute!! He is in constant motion when in his bouncy seat or car seat or on his back. He kicks and wiggles and kicks and wiggles. He can follow me across the room with his eyes and hold a rattle. I think he is doing well developmentally. You know the teacher in me comes out each day--we have times each day where we work on our motor skills and hand eye coordination. Its really playing, but productive too! He still isn't a big fan of tummy time. I saw a thing at good ole Wal-Mart that lifts them up off the floor(just a little) that we may have to get. He likes strolling and watching his mobile(that he talks to). He has GREAT head/neck control, which is really good. He will sit in his highchair(which looks like it is swallowing him) when I cook dinner or clean the kitchen, and he got in his jumparoo for the first time today! He likes it but is still a little unsure about moving in it. We will start rice cereal in our night bottle tonight which I am happy/sad about. Happy because he will get full and it will help with his reflux---Sad because it means he is getting bigger! I am sooooo glad that he is healthy and growing so well, but he is my baby and time is flying by! As I have said before, Holden is such a joy, and we are so blessed!!!

In his highchair-

"Is this supposed to entertain me?"

"O.K.--I like this but that toucan is a little scary mommy!"

Holden's new friends- A couple of weeks ago, my good friend Sue Rives' daughter Jenni and her two beautiful girls came over to help me with some decorating(I shouldn't say help...Jenni did all the work while I played with the kids!) They were such a joy and I really enjoyed visiting with Jenni. She is a super mom to her girls and is a sweet friend. I only wish I had gotten a picture of her to post. Holden loved the visit and said to come back soon. THANKS JENNI!!! I really appreciated it!

Trevor with Holden

Tatum, Holden, and Trevor

Welcome Anna Claire!!!

2008-08-20T14:41:00.001-07:00

Our good friends, Jeremy and Sarah Smitherman, welcomed their first child, Anna Claire, on Monday. Holden is so excited about his new friend! Jack and Jeremy became great friends in med school (so did Sarah and I) and they both are doing their Anethesia residency together at UMC. I have a feeling our families will be doing a lot together over the next few years!! Congrats guys!!! She is a doll!!

Christening- August 10

2008-08-20T11:19:00.000-07:00

Being a mom is such a wonderful gift. Holden is such a joy, and Jack and I are truly blessed. Standing in front of the altar, minister, and church congregation as we watched Holden being christened and pledging to raise him in a Godly home was such an amazing and emotional experience! What an honor to make our committment as parents to the Heavenly Father from whom our little miracle came. Thank you God for loving us and for our little man!

Holden's Godfather, Will Estess, and his sweet wife Maggie were unable to attend. They are expecting twin boys ANY day! We missed y'all, but we look forward to meeting Ethan and Chase very soon!!

I created a slideshow of christening pictures. It was such a special day! We had the Christening and Holden wore Jack's christening gown(so precious). Then Jack's parents hosted a beautiful luncheon at the Country Club, which we appreciated so much!! I wish I had taken more pictures. I didn't get any great pictures of the tables at the luncheon or of every guest who shared this day with us. Jack and I apprecited everyone taking time to be there with us. Hope you enjoy watching it.

Disclaimer: I am aware that I mispelled altar in the slideshow. I will fix it once I have time to do so. Sorry!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Sip and See- Saturday, August 9

2008-08-18T14:01:00.000-07:00

Holden is dressed and ready for the party!!

Sweet Mrs. Beverly Grant and Mrs. Pam Wilson hosted a Sip and See for us. It was so lovely and we had so many visitors. I only wish I had gotten more pictures! Thank y'all for hosting this for us, and thanks to everyone who came!!

Below is my first slideshow!! It was so easy and took no time at all!!! Hope you enjoy!!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

3 months old(August 8)

2008-08-18T13:54:00.000-07:00

(3 months and happy!! We gave the monkey a break this week!)

WOW!! Three months already! I keep saying it, but time is flying by!! Holden is growing and changing so much! He weighed 13 pounds and 10 ounces on August 8. That weekend was very eventful! We had a sip and see in our honor on Saturday and Holden's Christening and luncheon on Sunday. Thank you Lord for our precious baby!!

12 weeks-Thursday, July 31(a week late ofcourse)

2008-08-07T20:43:00.000-07:00

Happy Baby!! Things have been really busy for us! Jack has been working a lot(more nights recently)so Holden and I have been playing a lot and hanging out. That's why it has taken me a while. We have also been visiting with my friends who have been getting ready for school to start. Holden has already spent a lot of time in a classroom. He even took a nap on top of one of sweet Sue Rives' tables. Don't worry. I was right there and he was in a secure snuggle buns that my friend Stephanie's mom makes. They are great for traveling. Holden is so much fun! He is cooing and talking a lot more, has lots of strength in his little legs, great control of his neck and back, and is growing too fast!! It is hard to put into words the joy he has brought into our lives. God has truly blessed us! We have a sip and see and his Christening this weekend in Clarksdale so check back for those pictures and for his 13 week picture(which today is 13 weeks). Hope you enjoy.

12 week photo shoot--

"Oh, it's you again."

"I'm trying to sit like the monkey mommy!"

"You're silly mommy!!

"O.K. I have had enough!"Pre-photo shoot:
Chillin' in the bouncy seat

"Please don't make me do another photo shoot!"

Other pictures from the week:

Look at that physique!!

Hanging out with my buddies Susan Puckett(Bootsie) and Sue Rives(GG)

Napping on his first visit to school in GG's room :)

Too tired after his day at school

Chatting with Mary Martin

Taking his bath in the next position! No longer a newborn !(he loves it!!)

Prayer Request

2008-08-03T19:39:00.000-07:00

I will be posting Holden's 12 week pictures and some updates on him in the next day or so. I wanted to ask for your prayers for my friend Cindy and her unborn baby girl, Emily Ann. Cindy is about 19 weeks along and has had some complications. She is at home now, but she is on STRICT bed rest. The situation is scary, but God has really had his hand on her , her husband(Mitch), and two year old daughter(Emma). I pray that the Lord will give them faith, strength, courage, hope, and patience throughout this time. Thank you for your prayers! I will keep you posted!

THE GIRLS ARE BACK IN TOWN!

2008-07-24T14:03:00.000-07:00

Deidre and Mary Martin are back after their long summer trip. (George Robert will be back in a few days) . We went over and hung out with Deidre's mom and them the other day. Holden was fascinated by Mary Martin. He would smile at her and talk to her. They will be good friends, I know. We had a great visit and are happy to have you back in town! It was great to see you too, DD!!

Mary Martin helped buckle Holden in! HOW CUTE!!! She is so precious and growing so fast!

BELATED BDAYS

2008-07-24T14:02:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BELATED BDAY GRAMMY AND GRAM! WE LOVE YOU!!

11 weeks.....

2008-07-24T13:32:00.000-07:00

Holden's 11 week stats-

13 lbs. and 24.5 inches long
I felt so guilty this morning. Holden woke up in the BEST mood. He was giggling and smiling. He had a good night without a lot of reflux and was a happy boy. I fed him and got him dressed because he had to go to the dr. for round 2 of his first set of shots. He was smiling in the waiting room and didn't mind when they weighed him. He even smiled at the nurse as she was giving him his oral rhotovirus vaccine. BUT that changed once she got him with the shot. It broke his heart and mine, too. He calmed down and gave me the "why did you let her do that to me mommy" look as I put him in his car seat to go. He fell asleep on the way home and has been napping off and on ever since. I did get some pics before we went.

Before the doctor.......

After the doctor (and 11 week monkey photo shoot)

"Enough already mama! Feed me and hold me!"--Poor baby!!

what's been going on lately!......Long post!!

2008-07-24T12:30:00.000-07:00

I have waited until I have a lot to post again! Sorry! Here are some pics of Holden. He is so much fun!

Cooling off after being out in the heat at out first play date.

Thanks Jenny for letting us come!

Blue-eyed boy

Swinging and smiling!

Watching the mobile & trying to figure out how to get those things down.

Talking to mommy.

Chillin' in my bouncy seat!

Mama making me have tummy time. (he isn't a fan)

"I'M BORED MOMMY!!"

Chillin' in my bouncy again watching the Franklin cartoon.

"Hey mama...check out my muscles!"

What a smile!!!

2008-07-24T12:25:00.000-07:00

He already had me wrapped, but now he makes my heart melt when he smiles at me!! Just wanted to share with ya!

Another collage!

2008-07-18T14:22:00.000-07:00

Holden is growing too fast!! We love this little boy so much! Isn't he precious??!!??

9 weeks old and shots! (July 10)

2008-07-18T14:02:00.000-07:00

O.k. so I haven't had a chance to post because my lil man is keeping me busy, but I am loving it!! So, please forgive the multiple posts! I have a few things to share!!

Last Thursday, July 10, Holden turned 9 weeks old and we celebrated with our first round of shots!! Poor baby! (or should I say poor mama?) He had a great check up. He is growing well and is above average in the weight category- 12.2 lbs! He cooed and talked to Dr. Brooks and put on a show. But then the shots came. We only received half then and go back for the other two next Thursday. Yay- more fun! It broke my heart when he started crying! (yes, i had tears too but managed to hold it together!) I was able to calm him down and he fell asleep. Thank you Lord!! Here he is showing off his big ole band aids!

Lots of firsts!!

2008-07-07T16:23:00.000-07:00

The past two weeks have been filled with some firsts for Holden.

1. On his six week b-day, he and I had our first outing together without any help. He went with me to my 6 week check-up. Dr. Meck loved getting to see him and I LOVED showing him off!! I am so blessed to have such an awesome doctor!! SHE IS THE BEST!

On this day we all went out for dinner for the first time together...we went to Newks and sat outside b/c Holden loves being outside. When we got home, we went for our first stroller walk around the nieghborhood. Bless his heart. He was out like a light when bedtime came!!!

2. Holden got to grill out with his daddy. Well, not exactly but we were able to sit outside with Jack as he grilled. The next night we had our first dinner guests since Holden arrived. Our great friends, Jeremy & Sarah, came over and ate with us. Won't be long before their little one, Anna Claire, will be here to join us!!

The grill master and his mini me!!

3. Holden has started talking!!! Well, not actual talking, but he is babbling and cooing and it is precious! We noticed it one night when he was sitting in the bouncy seat. He started "talking'' to the birds attached to it. It was precious! He also realized during this time that if he kicked his legs he could make the seat move. He was kickin' it like Bruce Lee after that.

Talking to the birds

"Hey mommy. What are these things??"

Worn out from the kicking and talking!

4. Smiles and expressions!! He has started smiling a lot and he makes the cuteset expressions. It is almost as if he knows what you are saying. We love watching him and talking to him! He loves to be sung to and I act silly for him all the time. We are having soooo much fun!!

5. Acid reflux!!!! So we aren't too happy about this one. Bless his heart! It is so hard to see your child hurt and you can't do anything to help. He is on medicine now and we go to the doctor this Thursday for shots-:( and to see about the reflux.

DISCLAIMER: Yes, I am a mommy who may share a little too much detail about her child's life but our families read this and want to know the details. AND I love being a mom!!!

Where does the time go???? 8 weeks already!!

2008-07-07T16:10:00.001-07:00

Boy have things been busy the past couple of weeks. Holden is growing so fast and we discover something new every day about him. I have more pics from weeks 6 and 7 but the memory card they are on was sent to a professional camera shop to be developed because it had Jack's Scotland pics on it. So, I'll post those later along with the ones on my little camera that can't be uploaded because the cord no longer works. I was able to snap a couple of 8 week pics with another card for Jack's camera. O.K. I'm sure you could care less about the camera situation. No worries though because I will soon have my own digital camera that has a working cord so I can post lots of pics of our baby boy!

8 weeks old

"Watch out monkey! Mommy has that camera out again!!"

"Mommy, you're silly!! I'll give you a little smile!!"

Naked Baby Alert!!

2008-06-19T10:08:00.000-07:00

Well, he did have a diaper on!!! This is what Jack started saying when Holden was first born every time he changed his clothes. Now, we say it all the time. Since he stays awake a little more now, I decided we needed some diaper pics on his bear skin rug. He loved laying on it! I got some great pics. Hope you enjoy!!

WEEK 5

2008-06-19T10:00:00.000-07:00

O.K. So I had good intentions of taking his picture each week with this monkey to show how he is growing. Now that things are getting in more of a routine, maybe I will be able to do this each week. SO, here he is on his 5 week birthday. He wasn't really into a photo shoot at the time.

Holden is becoming more alert and having more awake time. He makes the cutest little faces!! He is changing so much and continues to be a joy!!

Poor Mr. Wilson! He has done really well adjusting, but he does miss being center of attention!! My Aunt Sharon is a nurse at the Clarksdale hospital and she sent us lots of free diapers!(THANKS SO MUCH!!) My mom was unpacking them while she was here, and Wilson wanted some attention so he laid down in the middle of the diapers and would not move. Bless his heart!!

THANKS GRAMMY AND ME ME

2008-06-17T11:25:00.000-07:00

Grammy and Holden

MeMe and Holden

I know all grandparents love their grandchildren and our parents are no exception! They are all so crazy about Holden. Both grandmothers stayed with me while Jack was gone. They cooked, cleaned, washed clothes, and helped out a lot. They even kicked me out of the house a time or two(ha! they wanted me to get out but knew it was hard for me to!!) I think they wanted some alone time with him! Thanks for taking care of us and helping us!! We love you!

Week 4

2008-06-17T11:16:00.000-07:00

Again, time is moving so fast!!! Week 4 was filled with a couple of firsts!! Holden tried out the swing for the first time and LOVED it! He especially loved looking at the fish swimming above!! Thanks Aunt Sue Sue and Sara Chesley for letting us borrow it! He also had his first encounter with the rattle. He thinks its pretty neat but he really likes trying to get it in his mouth! One of my favorite pics from this week is of him holding the monkey rattle. It looks like he is holding it! He is such a sweet baby boy! Every day I look at him and fall more and more in love!!!

Happy Father's Day!!!

2008-06-15T18:02:00.000-07:00

Holden and Daddy hanging out!!!

I have to start this post by saying Happy First Father's Day to my sweet husband!!! We are so happy he is home from his trip!! Today is rather bittersweet for me. This is my first father's day without my daddy. He passed away on November 26 and it still doesn't seem like he should be gone. I miss him very much and wish he could be here to hold and get to know Holden, but I know he is watching over him from Heaven! I have great memories of my daddy growing up and so does Jack, and I know Holden will have wonderful memories about his daddy, too. I have to say I am blessed to have a wonderful 2nd dad( i don;t like to say stepdad) and i send him happy father's day wishes!! We also wish Jack's daddy, Bill, a happy day, too!!

Holden and his Bossy(Jack's daddy)

Holden and his Gram( my 2nd dad :))

Graduation(week 2)

2008-06-12T15:19:00.000-07:00

It's official....WE HAVE A DOCTOR IN THE HOUSE!!!!!!!!!

Weeks 2 and 3

2008-06-12T15:06:00.000-07:00

A lot was going on during this time and I feel horrible for not having more pics of Holden! The day he was two weeks old was the day Jack received his white, long doctor coat. The day after that, he graduated from medical school and officially became Dr. Jackson Lee Walters. We are so proud of daddy!!! After graduation, the family gathered at our house for lunch. The following Tuesday, we visited the pediatrician for the first time. She is awesome and she gave Holden an A+++. We go back in July for the first round of shots. He weighed 9 lbs. 6 ounces. Then on Friday, we traveled to Clarksdale for my cousin's wedding. While at Jack's parent's house, Holden watched the mobile in his crib there for the first time and loved it!! We got back to Jackson on Sunday and Jack left for Scotland on Monday for a golf trip with his dad. This was a graduation present. It will be a two week trip. excuse me for posting so many collages. It makes it easier to share a lot of pics. :)

Week 1

2008-06-11T11:34:00.000-07:00

Here are some pics from the first week! He was and is such a good baby!!! Can't believe time is flying by so quickly!!

More Week 1

2008-06-10T18:33:00.000-07:00

Here is Holden's first bath at three days old. He did what little boys are known for when we were changing him and he soaked himself, me, and the changing table so we decided to head to the bath. Ofcourse, it was only a sponge bath due to the cord and circumcision. How precious is he? These are still two of our favorite pics!!

Well, when we went for Holden's two day check up at the hospital, his billie ruben level was high which meant that he had jaundice. We had to take the billie blanket home and keep him on it for three days. He did really well with it, especially since it was attached to him at all times, except when he had a diaper change. He looked so cute in his diaper and billie blanket. We called him glow baby because it had a fluorescent light that made him glow.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY JACK!!!

2008-06-05T18:06:00.000-07:00

I took these pictures of my boys watching the SEC baseball championship on tv. I love my husband so much for so many reasons but these pictures show one of the most important reasons...he is such a good DADDY!!! He loves his son and is so hands on! I feel very lucky to be his wife!!! I love you Jack!!! Thank you for the best four years of my life and for the best gift of all....our son! And mommy loves you, too, Holden!!! :)

We're back!!!

2008-06-05T15:16:00.000-07:00

WOW!! The past four weeks have been so busy and life changing! BUT, they have been the BEST weeks of our lives!! Holden is such a precious little miracle and we are amazed each time we look at him that God chose us to be his mommy and daddy. I had always heard that seeing your child for the first time was amazing and that the love you feel is unlike any you have ever felt before and MAN is that true!! We knew we would love him, but had no idea the magnitude of that love. Being a mommy is the greatest gift I have ever been given and I know Jack(aka daddy) feels the same way!! And the love I have now for my husband is even greater than the day I married him. O.K... I can't help but be sentimental! Anyways, I will be updating the blog with pics and stories from the past four weeks ove the next couple of days so check back to see our little man! Bare with me b/c I am still new to the blogging world!

Introducing William Holden Walters

2008-05-08T17:35:00.000-07:00

This is Deidre posting for Missy.. After a long day, Holden finally arrived safe and healthy at 5:05 p.m. He weighs 7 pounds, 15 ounces and is 21.5 inches long. Mommy and Baby are both doing great. I spent a little time with Missy and she was exhausted but thrilled, and Jack was one proud papa! Check back soon, I know Missy will be posting some more precious pictures!

Baby on the way!!!

2008-05-07T08:34:00.000-07:00

We are so excited right now! I was supposed to be induced yesterday(tues) but my doctor rescheduled for tomorrow(thurs). I was disappointed because I have reached the miserable stage. Well, as I sat there this morning after yet another night of no sleep, my phone rang. It was my doctor's nurse who said that Dr. Meck wanted me to come on in tonight to be induced. I don't think I have moved that quickly in months!! I said "praise the Lord" and the sweet nurse said "amen to that!" So, looks like we'll get this party started tonight! My good friend, Deidre, is going to post a picture as soon as she can! I can't wait to meet him! Thank you Lord for getting us here! Check back to meet baby Holden!!!

LOTS OF BLESSINGS AT ONCE!!

2008-05-04T12:53:00.000-07:00

I have always heard the saying "When it rains, it pours" in a very negative sense. Lately, I have felt this, but in a very POSITIVE way!! Please don't look at this as me bragging because I am not! I am just so thankful for blessings we have been given all at once! So, bare with me as I share!!
1. We are expecting our first child, William Holden, any day! He seems to be a healthy baby, and we can't wait to meet him!!!
2. Jack, who I am very proud of, will graduate from UMC at the end of May and will begin his residency in Jackson in Anesthesiology!!
3. We just moved into our first house!! WE adore it and can't believe it is ours!! We still have a lot of unpacking and decorating to do, but we know that will get done!!
4. Even though we won't be living a life of luxury, I am going to get to stay at home and take care of my boys!! It was a hard decision because I love where I work and my job, but anyone who knows me knows I have always wanted to do this!! We are already accustomed to a budget, and the Lord has made it where we can do this.
5. We have the BEST friends and family ever!! Thanks for being there!!! :)

Thanks for letting me share with you!! Have a great week!!!