Conversation with Alex

She is something else! She has a ladybug house she adores. She checks on her ladybugs all the time. Of course they died weeks ago but she still carries them around and checks up on them. This is what she told me over breakfast this morning:
"Mommy, the ladybugs are STILL sleeping. They are really, really tired because they have been sleeping for lots of days. Or maybe they are just really dead."

Happy Mother's Day

You are my best friend. Love, Alex

JDRF Dream Gala

Saturday night, we went to the annual JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) Dream Gala, a big fundraiser to raise money for research for a cure. We had a blast! We were invited by the Harman family and are so thankful we were able to be a part of the evening. As you can imagine, this hit VERY close to home for Nathan and I. They showed a video that interviewed the parents of children afflicted with type 1 diabetes and for me, it made me realize how heartbreaking this must have been for Nathan's parents. Being a parent certainly changes the perspective. Of course, we couldn't help but wonder if we too will be on this journey with one of our children. If that is the case, I am so thankful there are many generous people willing to selflessly donate for a worthy cause! As Nathan said. "I am just blown away by this evening. I am just that diabetic guy. It's my journey, it's daily. But for people to care and recognize and donate toward a cure for people like me...it's unbelievable."

Mel & Jaime

The Darbys

Ebes, Erin, Jules, Mel & Nicole

The princess was soooo sad she wasn't able to come to "the princess ball."

Carson month 8: April 2 - May 2

Stop growing up so fast!!
I can't believe my baby. My baby is already 8 months old. Time is flying by a little too quickly. I guess two kiddos does that to you.

We had an awesome month and stayed very busy as usual.
We celebrated Carson's first Easter at home and it was such a special holiday for our fam. I posted pics earlier, but any 1st holiday with your baby is always a memorable one and this was no exception.

Yes, I am still the milk maid. I don't see this changing anytime soon and I am thrilled! I will say, it is a challenge keeping up with him though. Whew, that boy can eat. He has finally started on solids and they don't seem to be upsetting his tummy anymore. Thank goodness! I needed some outside assistance-- hehe. We are feeding him sweet potatoes, avocado, squash and green beans. Haven't tried fruit because it tends to be a bit tougher to digest. Still, this is a huge accomplishment!

He is such a love and he is SUCH a flirt! Carson truly connects with people and I think that makes him special (I know every mom says that). To know him is to love him.

We experimented with some new hairstyles this month....see below! He is such a little Nathan. I am so used to dealing with Alex's hair that playing with mousse and spiking hair is a fun outlet for mommy. Poor kid.

One of our new favorites is going to the park and swinging in the big boy swing. Sweet big sis thinks this is really cool because she can help push him! This is really one of the first times I've seen them do the same thing together. It is so fun to watch them giggle back and forth at one another. Some of his other favorites include grabbing faces, playing with his feet, watching other kids, and hearing his own voice (hmm..wonder where he gets that)?!

I think the biggest development from month 7 to 8 has been his personality. He has always been animated, but now I can see a little glimpse of the bigger version we will soon meet. I like what I see :)

Pete & Repeat
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New hairstyles, you like?



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Angel baby in his crib

One of our favorites...bath time!

Alex loves being my little helper

Fun times at the park with DeDe

Carson's first time to swing

Bro & Sis swinging together!

Introduction to Petland (another idea sponsored by Alex)

Jumparoo is still his favorite by a mile

His shirt says "Teething Bites." HA! That pretty much sums up our month :)

Sweet Innocence

Here are some precious pictures taken by Rachel and Ian Kirkland this past weekend. We were in Moody, Texas (just outside Waco) celebrating Elijah's first birthday. Alex had so much fun running and playing outside. I love these pictures!

Nathan's Big Break at Chicken Play

Last week I saw a sign at our local Chicken Play (Chick-fil-a) that they are hosting a Chick-fil-idol. For the past three weeks they've hosted open mic night. So, last Friday night we were watching the DeWall kiddos and I called up there just to get the info. I told Nathan about it since the grand prize is free Chick-fil-a for a year. I didn't expect he would be up for it, but he said to load up the kids and let's go! So, we took all four kids and went just to "scope it out" (he didn't want to sign up unless he felt comfortable). Of course as soon as we walk in, I go up to the panel and sign him up (so much for checking it out). I couldn't help it! He is soooo talented and I love hearing him sing. Even if it is in front of people eating fast food.

Nathan dedicated his song to Alex...so precious! He sang "I'll be" by Edwin McCain. That was the song we danced to at our wedding and is "our song". Awww. He did so great! The best part was when Alex went running into his arms. Nathan picked her up and she hugged him through the entire song. When he sang "I'll be, the greatest fan of your life" to her, the whole crowd melted. I know Alex put him over the top. How could you not love that?

Soooo, the top 4 contestants from each night (there were 3 nights) are competing in the finals in two weeks. Darby was chosen!!! So, he made the top 12 :) hehe!

GO DARBY GO!!! Here is the only picture I got on my phone...it's terrible, but I was too busy watching. I'll be sure and bring my camera in two weeks. Nathan, I'll be...the greatest, fan of your life. (tear, sniffle). hehe

Last one

We know these videos are much more amusing to us, but in case you want a little laugh: