Our little Artist

We love hand-me-downs! Our Neighbor has a son who is 4 years old and we have been reaping the benefits of his disinterest in "baby toys". We were given this wonderful easel set and Thomas uses it almost every day. Thank God chalk washes off everything .... even white shirts.

The other day I found him talking to the chalk then turning to the chalk board and chattering to it. This went on for some time and then in a sudden eruption the chalk attacked the board. There was yelling and violent thrashing then almost as fast complete calm chattering was resumed. The only evidence of the attack was the explosion of color on the board. I wish I could understand what he was saying so much. But till then I am assuming that the chalk and board were telling Your Mama jokes to each other and one turned sour.

Our little Picaso

The world of crayons and colored pencils has opened a whole new world to Thomas. He loves to draw. We have a cardboard box that he has claimed and is rarely without a crayon to draw on it or any paper he can find. He knows just where the pencils and crayons are and drags the box around the house with him. The picture above is him getting into the colored pencil container on top of his drawing box.

Snow in Memphis

Our neighbors wrote Hi Thomas in the snow on Chris' car.

Thomas loved playing in the snow with Chloe and Adam, but I think he was a little confused by the whole thing. Especially why the snow kept sticking to his gloves.

Long Time No Blog

I am back in the game. I know it has been a long time since my last post so let me give a short update.

Chris signed a contract to work clinic/urgent care for Satellite Med in Cookeville, TN. He will start beginning of August. After 9 years of work he will finally cross the finish line (so to speak). We are so proud of him and just ecstatic.

Thomas is growing by leaps and bounds. He eats all the time. I posted some pics of him with half a banana in his mouth. He continues to be a healthy happy and very active little man. Each morning for the last couple weeks he says a new word or two but can I get him to say them any other time.... not a chance. This morning he said elephant clear as day. 3 syllables... good job my big man!

I am doing great. I have been sewing lots of odds and ends and generally trying not to get a head of myself. Now that we know where we are moving for sure it is hard not to pack up the house in readiness for the move. But we still need to get our house on the market and find a place to live in Cookeville. I do feel blessed that most of my day is spent with Thomas and helping him learn about and explore the world around him.

Smoke, laughes, and prospects in Cookeville

We had quite a tip to Cookeville. On the way there, about 20 miles outside of Cookeville, our 2001 Saab's oil light came on and Chris tried to make it to the next exit to get off of I-40. We did not get very far before smoke started coming from the engine and the car shut off. This happened at a spot were there was just enough shoulder to squeeze the car over so no one would drive into it. We were so close to the rails I thought about getting out through the window. Our friend Mark Duggin rescued us from the side of the road and we had the car towed to a shop. All this at 5 o'clock on a Friday. No one was going to look at it till Monday at the earliest.

We rented a car and enjoyed our stay at the Duggins; especially Thomas. Liza, Mark and Julie's 13 month old daughter, and Thomas had a great times playing together. Liza even tried to "read" to Thomas. This was just opening a book, pointing and some babbling, but Julie and I loved to watch such a sweet thing. The two of them really liked shaking washcloths in the kitchen.

Chris also had a wonderful talk with a local doc who told him of some job prospects in town. All in all the trip was a great time in spite of our sad Saab story.

Good morning

July was a great month for our family because Chris was able to get most weekends off and flexible hours during the week. This meant mornings with Daddy for Thomas and boy did he soak it up. Thomas played with Daddy while Mommy slept or made breakfast. (The latter happened more. Ahh blessed sleep.) Chis has been trying to teach Thomas how to make a farting noise from a bare back on a hardwood floor. Thankfully he has been unsuccessful so far, but I no it wont be long till the two of them are goofing off together.

Settling In St. Louise

We were able to visit Chris' brother Andrew and his wife Tiffany at there new place in St. Louise. They just got back from there trip to Bora Bora the day before and were full of stories and picture. I loved hearing about the place. Check out there blog for the whole scoop on the place.
There new place in St. Louise is darling. Tiff and Andrew did such a good job making it a comfortable place to live in. Props to you Tiff on the fast and great decorating!
It makes Chris and I a little jealous, as we are ready to be out of Memphis and into a more permanent place. Oh and if you notice the Band-Aid on Thomas' head. The tried to do the steps on our front porch and ended up skinning his forehead with minimal tears and lots of blood. But all better now. Babies are so resilient.