Ear Tubes

After having five ear infections in the last three months, Julian's doctor and ENT recommended ear tubes for out little guy. He may have inherited my bad tubes. My ears never drained properly for me. I was always sick as a kid, too. And I still continue to get sinus infections too frequently. I hope to goodness that this help him and he can go more than a few weeks without being sick.

This video shows he had no ill effects from the procedure he endured!

That Laugh!

We are hoping the best for our crazy little dude!

First Year

So our little boy is ONE year old now. I can't lie. It's been a kaleidoscope of emotions. Not sure where we are in our Father/Son relationship. My poor son son has was colicky for about the first three months of his life. Even after that subsided, his evening time was continued to be his fussy time. Unfortunately for me, this was the only time I saw him.

As I put together his first annual video, it was very therapeutic for me. It looks likes Julian has had some pretty happy moments in his young life. And has a dad, that's all you really care about. We've got a lot of time to get close. I'm not going anywhere. I'll be right here every day. For every moment. Good and bad.

Julian's First Year

Jules loves his big sister; loves to play with her, laugh with her. He also loves his elephant that he sleeps with every night. But most of all, he adores his Mommy. No one can comfort, love, and play as good as her.  And I'm OK with that. It's a special bond that's priceless to watch.

Kentucky Horse Park

Julian's first encounters with horses was a success. Though he's only one year old, and limited in how involved he can be, he definitely wanted to be on the scene. No staying in the stroller for him!

He was able to pet and see the animals up close, which he gleefully applauded!

Love that our kids get to experience all that life offers!

Growing Boy

It's been so much much watching our little boy grow up over the last few months. His smile is heartwarming, his laugh is infectious.

He's definitely a Momma's boy right now, And definitely Zoe's brother.  It's just amazingly beautiful watching him adore her. 

When he was six months old, the love and admiration for his sister really started to emerge. 

Julian also started to do his combat crawl and lifting himself onto his elbows. And Mommy and I haven't been able to sit down since!

It's funny, too.  Funny that you have to develop a relationship with your children. It's not automatic. It's definitely something that grows over time. We love every minute of it, too!

Now that he's eating other foods besides baby food, let the growing really begin! He loves bread and mashed potatoes!

I'm guessing the it's a pretty even split as to how many cereal puffs end up on the floor or his mouth.

Julian loves it when his big sister climbs into his crib to hang out.  We love how their friendship/relationship just continues to grow stronger with each day.

But nobody comes close to the bond he has with Mommy. Not even close. 

Mommy and I were really surprised and happy that our Lil Man smiled and looked at the camera for his daycare pictures.  Super excited!

This is one of my favorite pictures. Julian laughing it up at his big Sis tickling him.  His squinty eyes and wide open smile remind me of Laurel & Hardy for some reason! haha

Julian really like hanging out at Uncle Ernie & Aunt Janoa's house. They have the coolest drums to bang on. He also liked the adventures at Indianapolis Children's Museum.

Sometimes you've just got to pose for pictures before field service. :)

We were able to get some family pictures done with Bill Caine. The kids weren't really enthused about the process. But they warmed up to it . . . for a little while, anyway. 

We were able to go see the Great Balloon race in Danville, KY. Both the kids loved watching all the colorful balloons. That's something I always wanted to go to as a kid, but never was able to.

You can find all kinds of fun things to do in downtown, Lexington. You may even stumble upon some orphans in a dark alley.

This is hands down my favorite picture of my little minions. Their personalities are showing 110%. I couldn't have planned the pic any better.

 I love that my grandparents have gotten to meet and know my kids. With their health issues, I was scared they may not get that chance.  That's been a great blessing for me personally.

This is another of my favorite pictures. It's my Mona Lisa moment of photography. Just a perfect mood for our porch setting.

I love how happy our family is. I have the most amazing wife, and very happy, well-rounded kids. I feel so undeserving of this life I live. But I'm so thankful.