How does so much change within 2 months of a baby's life?!?! Surely, we never go through such drastic changes in later years! My little baby boy is officially a toddler! I woke up last week anxious just thinking about how fast it all goes by! Oh Lord, please help me take it all in and remember these sweet days. God in Heaven, please give his daddy and I the strength to love him like You love him - with tender mercy and a guiding hand.

We celebrated his 1st Birthday a few weekends ago with a small gathering of family. He officially turned ONE August 5th! Here are some photos... i'll post more from the past few months later - he, of course, is getting into everything! :)

Jenny and Kevin and baby niece!!! (brother and sister-in-law)

Friends, Neighbors, Babysitters, Fellow church members

Not family, but we sure do appreciate this couple!

Lisa's cousin Kim

Shon, Jennifer (cousins), and Aunt Mary

Bryce was helping push Matthew in the red wagon!

And having fun with Sadie!

Hard to believe our baby is 10 months old! When my parents came in town the other weekend...we took Matthew on a whim visit to the beach after lunch. We looked a bit out of place, fully clothed, amongst the bikinis and swimming trunks. We were able to strip Matthew down to his diaper though :) He doesn't like the ocean yet, but I think the small pools of water along the sand feel like bath time.

I've been on a soapbox lately in my reading. I'll write more about my thoughts on this matter later...

Me: "Da Da"
Matthew: " Daaa Daaa"

Me: "Mama Mama"

Matthew: "Da Da Da"

Me: "Sadie"

Matthew: "Da daaaaaaaaaaaaa"

Me: "Let's say something else."

Matthew: "Da Da"

Okay! ...ONE DAY :)

"On the way to feeding myself..."

AMEN! Wow! A friend shared this video with me...she described it as a "picture of the gospel".

Pulling on everything these days...

"close call"... thank goodness for the sides of the walker...

Sweet Bliss (for mom and baby)

(I love reading newly refreshed, current, updated blogs...unfortunately, mine is not one of those...)

Since my last post we attended a college friend's wedding in Tifton, GA (near Valdosta). We had a brief visit with the family & took some pictures with Matthew on the campus where we met :) It has changed so much since we were students there.

Matthew was baptised March 29, 2009 at our church, Redeemer Presbyterian. Todd's dad prayed for him as part of the service. Matthew seemed to be paying attention and was very interested in the water - ha! It was a great opportunity to reflect on what we believe about this sacrament... what a picture of grace - to beckon God's blessing and forgiveness even before we can understand our need for it. We pray Matthew will understand the love and glory of Christ at a young age.

Ephesians 2:8-9
8For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9not by works, so that no one can boast.

The Christian and Leclair family represented below. We were so thankful to have them there!
He wore a Christening gown my grandmother made over his outfit.
I (Lisa) also wore this at my infant baptism. What precious heirloom.

Video from the end of March: He was just starting to scoot backwards. Now he is all over the place. The pediatrician said this walker may not be the best tool to help him learn to walk though...he moves by pushing off his toes, but soon he will need to use his whole foot (feet) to take steps. I use it in the kitchen to keep him occupied though - I put finger foods on the tray - and I can focus on cooking and cleaning. Golden.