A short 8 months and he's already a pro.

Here's hoping that Rhett grows up to be-

just like his dad.

Happy Father's Day, Porter!

Summer is here!

Yay! I have been LONGING for this season-and it is finally here!
My summer "teaser" was Memorial day weekend when my family came in town for some fun at the park and our first dip into the springs. This is me- taking all precautions..lean back, legs cross, and the ol-pinch of the nose. My sister Kate and I thought the kiddos would really enjoy getting in the baby pool version themselves- not so. They froze and cried the second they got in. Not even worth whipping out the camera :(

And alas, it was time to say goodbye to our beloved Nanny Fay. She was Rhett's nanny while I concluded my days as a School Psych. and a working mom. It was so sad to say goodbye. My first day back of work when I was not happy with our childcare arrangements-I sobbed and pleaded with God to bring us someone wonderful while I finished out my job- and HE DID! "Nanny Fay" loved our little Rhett as he were her own little grand baby. She was his one-on-one caretaker- could not have asked for a better arrangemnt. Thank you God! It was a bitter sweet goodbye-sad to end our time with her- but I am so happy to finally be home full time with our little one and the ones to follow, (no I am not expecting...) .

And here is a wedding for the books. We were in Florida last week to watch my cousin Laurel walk down the aisle- a ceremony that literally took less than 60 seconds due to the inevitable rain and lightening (outdoor ceremony). The wedding went something like this "David do you take Laurel as your wife, to have and hold, in sickness and health, from this day forward?" David: "I do!" Laurel: "I do too" Priest: "Ok, exchange rings- kiss your bride- your married!" You'll see in the pictures to follow why.

That weekend was also a weekend of firsts for Rhett- first boat ride, beach trip...It's funny, those things did not occur to us until they were actually taking place. Porter and I had a few of these exchanges over the weekend: "Is this Rhett's first boat ride / beach trip? It is! Get the camera!"

Porter and Rhett loading on my Aunt's boat Little cousins Ella and Savannah and I - while Rhett is just hating life in his lifejacket. And this is Rhett loving life after the girls asked to take him into the cabin of the boat: After taking that picture- I paused, and had an image of Spring Breaks to come for him, which made me kinda nervous.

Our boat captains..my cousin Shawn and his first-mate Porter. My aunt was calling in the dolpins and it really worked--this was so neat!
We were very impressed! Rhett was such a trooper with all the attention from his little cousins. Ella (not be confused with "Ellie"), really took to him: She would help prep a bottle, rinse his passy, and even sang a lullaby to help him nap!She was also very concerned about the amount of drool he would put out. So sweet. So the morning of the wedding- we made a quick stop for Rhett's first beach trip-I was dying to take a dip in the ocean- you can't go to Fl. without getting in the water! Rhett agreed. Although, next time we won't take him when he's hungry- the poor child started eating sand and he went from a happy beach goer- to completely miserable! So now for the wedding- Rhett and I pose at the site of the ceremony- just in case it was gonna rain- I wanted a couple shots for Laurel if we had to relocate. "Tut-tut, it looks like rain..." After this, lightening struck- and I took Rhett for a mad dash inside as the vows were being exchanged. And right behind me came the bride and guests- hysterical! Safe and sound in the arms of the flower girl The bride and groom!

Cousin Ross and Sarah pose with the bride Jenny and TyNeedless to say, Laurel and David had a memorable wedding and we had a wonderful time!

Trying to entice my child to crawl...

Is like trying to get me to post on our blog... I start to, and get sidetracked and then poof, I'm spent. No really, why is my child not into crawling? Porter reminded me it is because my specific prayer was that Rhett would remain immoblie until my last day of work, which happens to be this Thursday- Yay! More to come!

Our First Mother's Day Weekend....

...was filled with our first swim in the pool, a place I frequented this time last year with Rhett in tow...

You'll notice Rhett is really into his tongue these days
Porter lecturing Rhett about pool safety <My cousin Laurel sent us this swim outfit for Rhett when I was pregnant- Such a Florida girl to think of such a cute gift-Thanks Laurel!


We also got to see Porter sing downtown at a wine store. He loves this sort of thing and it makes me happy to see him so happy and in his element!

Check out this sign outside of the venue- aside from my college land-lord's son, and my friend Sarah's cousin, we rarely have a "Rhett" sighting. Too perfect!
The Baylesses and Stockers were some of our friends that came by- Rhett loves the attention!

He even played to some Jack O' Pierce tunes and my very favorite tune that he sings, "Blue Canoe." I was in heaven!

We also got a visit from my Mom and Papa Mike.

Bouncing baby boy

But today I was treated to breakfast in bed, a very special gift from Porter, and an extra hour of sleep (still can't decide which I enjoyed most)! After church, Rhett and I took a very special mommy & me stroll. It was our first improv. stroll down the steep hill from our neighborhood to the park. On our way back home, I took Rhett out of the stroller to give him a better view of the ducks in the pond. We just sat there quietly watching them swim and banter about. It was his first experience with those little ones and a special moment for me, too. It was the first time all weekend that I slowed down and really relished in what a privilege it is to be a mom. I got to see his face and expression when the male duck, with his red head and colorful body, took a little bath in front of us and fluffed his head feathers into a mohawk! I got to watch Rhett become so enthralled with the little ducks swimming in unison behind their mama and the pair of geese standing beside us (at this point in my 'moment' though, I got a little freaked out over being out-numbered by the growing bounty of our new feathery friends, we hopped back in the stroller and headed home!). It was such a sweet experience for the both of us. What a privilege it is to be a mom!

Why you should never turn your head...

...not even for a second.
So despite all efforts to avoid touching ANYTHING at the doctor's office during Rhett's 6 month well-visit appointment on Monday (re: swine flu outbreak), my little munchkin thought it would be funny to roll his little body all around the examining room table. Oh well!

Not bad for a camera phone, eh?