Triple "S"

Family Pics

2010-06-03T09:11:00.003-04:00

I'm not a big fan of studio pictures for our family. I love seeing other families and they seem to turn out so great but, I honestly just haven't wanted to go through the process of it. Instead we have had yearly candids done of us. We had them taken at the Preschool where I work and Caleb goes so that he is comfortable and just plays while they take photos. I love capturing his bubbly personality and his NEVER stopping energy! He is very animated with his hands. I guess he gets that from his Mom.

Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells

2009-12-14T16:29:00.004-05:00

We try to take a sleigh ride each year before Christmas. This year we went with our dear friends, The Bilbro's. It was so fun riding around and eating chocolate chip cookies!

We are cold but cute:)

Deck the Halls

2009-12-14T15:54:00.004-05:00

I am constantly amazed at how fast Caleb is growing up. This year as we brought out all the decorations and he just went crazy. He understands so much more this year and he is constantly asking questions. He loves the stockings, the nativity, and the ornaments on the tree.

This is December 2008. I was so afraid he was going to push the tree over!

This is December 2007. He could barely sit up straight in his bumbo.

This is December 2009. He loved hanging his ornaments on the tree an this year's favorites are the Thomas and McQueen ornaments My little noodle. He brings such joy to us and it is truly amazing for Wade and I to experience Christmas through his eyes. What faith and insight we can learn form him!

His little decorated section of tree. We can't post our family in front of the tree yet becuase it is our Christmas card pic!

STRIKE

2009-12-14T15:27:00.003-05:00

Sarah (my niece) had her birthday party at the bowling alley. It was so cute seeing all the girls giggling and bowling at the same time. She is getting so big and turning into a little lady!

Mimi with Caleb. She snuck him all the treats even before the party started.

Red Velvet Cake- YUMMY!

The was Caleb's first time bowling. He loved watching them play and cheering!

Elmo's Green Thumb

2009-12-14T15:15:00.002-05:00

We had a new adventure as we went to our first 'kid show'- Elmo Live! Caleb LOVES Sesame Street and all the characters so we knew he would love it! But he is so scared of big costumes (he trembles at Chic-fil-a when the cow walks around). He wouldn't let go of us until the last 30 minutes of the show and then he started to like to idea of the characters dancing around near him:)

He loves music and dancing!

Caleb with Nana and Papa after the show

My Sweet Tea

2009-07-15T15:20:00.003-04:00

The other night Wade and I had a date night and enjoyed the Queens Feast in Charlotte at Ruth Kris and saw a movie. I love it when we carve out time to still have date night and have conversations that do not always happen in our normal dinner times. Of course we forgot to take pcitures during the entire time so we took this picture of ourselves at the movies:) Wade- you are the love of my life an I am so thankful how you lead our family daily and still have such a great attitude about life. You have been there so much for me lately and I so appreciate how you have let me vent, cry, and experience joy in the midst of grieving the loss of my Dad! I am so glad that Caleb will experience an incredible Dad like I had the opportunity growing up. You are a great role model for Caleb and I love how he runs up to you with so many kisses and wants to 'scare you' as you enter the room. I understand that it is hard right now looking for a new job and the thought of not providing for us BUT I totally trust you and your heart and know that God has new plans for you! DFTILY

4thof July

2009-07-15T14:53:00.003-04:00

We packed up early and went to downtown Tega Kay, SC for a 4th of July Parade. I had heard it was small and thought it would fun to see how Caleb reacted.

At first he was a little afraid but them saw the Choo-choo, Homer, and the fire trucks and loved it by the end.

We spent the middle of our day at the pool at my Mom's house with the rest of the family. Caleb loves the pool and even more when there is Joshua and Sarah to swim around with and splash. I truly love the 4th of July Holiday,what it represents, and all the ways you can celecrate. It's even more fun when we can spend time together as a family celebrating and remebering our FREEDOM!

BOOM! BOOM!

2009-07-15T14:44:00.002-04:00

We ended our day by watching Fireworks-AKA Boom Boom. We had no idea how Caleb would react to the loud noises and bright sky but he LOVED them. We got there way too early to get a good seat and he did OK waiting and playing in the grass.

Caleb and Daddy waiting for the big show!

This is how he watched the Fireworks. Such a sweet boy!

The Finale- I love fireworks and was so glad that we got to see them as a family this year.

Summer Showers

2009-07-15T14:30:00.003-04:00

Caleb and I were playing at the Playground in our neighborhood and we felt raindrops but I questioned if it was going to last. Needless to say, minutes later we were in the midst of a million hard raindrops. I ran back home pulling Caleb in the wagon and laughing so hard at the same time. He was so excited to eat his apple at the park (but we never go to it), so as soon as we walked in the house with wet clothes he asked for "Apple".

It was the first time I never cut up his apple and he loved it!

He has a mind of his own and I am so thankful for these sweet memories with him. We have had such precious times together this summer so far!

For a short season. . .

2009-07-15T14:10:00.003-04:00

The Smiths' have become dear friends to us this past year. We met them last summer and quickly our lives and friendships just blossomed. Both our families have had great joys and heartaches this past year and I can see God's hand in why we had these friends during this season. I'm sad to see them move back home to TN in September. But I am so thankful they can be close to family and feel settled for the girls to grow-up. Precious Zi was born this year and she is such a treat. We have gotten to watch her while Jona and Rachael had date nights.

Caleb loves doing whatever Zi does and making her laugh:) He wanted so badly to wrestle with her.

Cute chubby checks talking to one another!

Water Day

2009-05-23T16:22:00.003-04:00

At the end of school we always have Water Day. We put out lots of kiddie pools, water tables, anything that squirts, sprinklers, and a huge water slide. Caleb LOVED it all! He concentrated so hard until he figured out how to get water in the squirter.

The water was rather cold from the sprinklers but he kept going back to it even though it took his breathe away every time.

Start of Summer

2009-05-23T16:04:00.002-04:00

Caleb wasn't even walking last summer so recently I realized how different this season is going to be for us. I am so excited to be off from work and spending a lot of time just hanging out and without a schedule:) His hair was hanging down in his eyes when it got wet so we got another haircut last week. He loves is going because it is the only time he gets a lollipop. Caleb loves to be outisde! So as the weather has gotten warmer we have spent a lot of time in the yard and patio. But with shorts and running around, comes falls and boo-boo's. But Mimi introduced Caleb to Band-Aids and life hasn't been the same since:)

He had his first ice cream cone. I found the greatest mini snack size nutty buddies and he savored every bite.

I thought he wouldn't like the cold texture BUT I was wrong.

Trying to catch the neighbors cat.

We Walked and Talked

2009-05-23T08:58:00.003-04:00

It rained for 4 days before the Lois Lodge Walk-a-thon but on Saturday is was just overcast. So, we headed to Freedom Park, registered, got our T-shirts, and walked!

THANK YOU for all your support and encouragement for Lois Lodge. It is a special place that we love being apart of. Our friends, Joe and Amelia, were there so we walked and talked the whole time together. Caleb loves balloons so every time we passed them he wanted to touch them.

Truly the highlight of the time for Caleb was the ducks. We walked around this huge lake and on one side were all the ducks waiting to be fed. Before we left we let Caleb run around and feed the ducks our leftover bagels.

Lois' Lodge Walk-A-Thon

2009-03-12T12:44:00.008-04:00

Susan, Caleb, & I will be participating in a Walk-A-Thon with some of our friends from church. It is for a non-profit organization called Lois' Lodge. Please consider making a donation on behalf of us walking. Your gift will go directly to provide shelter, counseling and support for women and families who are facing the difficulties of an unplanned pregnancy. Your donation will save the life of a child and provide hope to a woman and family in crisis. Last year Lois' Lodge provided support to over 65 women and families. You can learn more by visiting the website at www.loislodge.org/. The event is on March 28th. Please consider sponsoring us. You can give online at www.firstgiving.com/homegroup. If you would rather do so by check, you can post a comment here & we will get back to you with how to do so. THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!

Caleb's 1st Haircut

2009-03-09T21:24:00.003-04:00

We went to this amazing kids place called Doolittles. It's a kids hair salon with little fun chairs, TV's, and lollipops!!! So, Caleb got his 1st haircut today. It was bittersweet for me. He looks so adorable with it but it makes me realize he is getting bigger:) He sat so big in the little red race car and watch Blue's Clues! Ms. Erica was so sweet to us and this is her cutting his first piece of hair. She took a before picture of Caleb, saved a piece of hair, and put it in a little frame for us!

Not only was it his 1st haircut but he has never had candy before but he got a LOLLIPOP! He wouldn't take it out of his mouth until it was completely gone! I think we will save this for a Doolittle tradition:)

Mommy and her handsome little man

Caleb's new haircut- It really is adorable. Erica did such a good job. YEAH Caleb- he did awesome!

Snow in March

2009-03-09T21:12:00.003-04:00

I cant believe we actually got snow the first week in March. Caleb was sick with a high fever so he just stared out the window and played in the laundry basket. Wade's office was closed because of the snow so we finally took Caleb out for his first snow.

Me and my snowcutie!

He didn't really know what to think but I am sure he would have tried eating it after awhile:)

Around the House

2009-03-09T21:05:00.003-04:00

Caleb was sick for about a week and then with the snow, we have just been in the house A LOT lately. Caleb got this wagon for Christmas (he pulls it all over the house) but when he was sick he only wanted to be pulled in it. Somehow the pots are always too dirty or missing for me to cook!

Crazy Hair!

My sister made Caleb lots of these animal towels. Caleb loves to make animal sounds now so he just sits and barks when he gets out of the tub.

A glimpse of Preschool

2009-01-10T22:20:00.002-05:00

Here are a few pictures of Caleb at Preschool. He stays in my office on some days and goes to the Toddler class the rest of the time. He is constantly being tempted by the computer and loves to turn it off while I am working:) He loves the sensory table when it has water in it. This is his class washing sweet potatoes before they make sweet potato pie.

This is his Toddler class. He is the youngest in his class but you cant tell it. I think he thinks he runs the school. Not to mention all the teachers spoil him and let him do anything in their rooms. He loves to go to the 4's class and watch the hamster and fish and climb up in the loft.

I am s0 thankful for my job. It is the perfect fit for us the be able to take Caleb, know that he is being taken care of, and love being able to us my gifts daily.

He loves the playground. At the beginning of the year he could only sit in the swing and grass because he just wanted to eat the mulch. Now he just runs everywhere and loves to go down the slide.

Panther Pride Day!

2009-01-10T22:08:00.003-05:00

On Friday we had a Panther Pride Day at QHPS (that's the Preschool where I am the Director). I was shocked to see how many students dressed in their favorite Panthers gear, painted their faces, and made many signs. Needless to say, it was an exciting day and the halls were so loud with Panther roars! Here is a picture of some of the kids that were cheering them on. We submitted our picture to the Panther Roar magazine, so maybe one day a Panther player will show up at our school.

Christmas Celebrations with Family

2009-01-02T16:18:00.007-05:00

We are amazed at another year that has passed. But we have stopped a lot along the way and marveled at how blessed we truly are! Wade's health is better than ever and only on one daily medication for his colon issues. Caleb is growing so Big, so quickly, and is just a highlight for us. He has such a fun personality and definitely a little entertainer and loves to be around people. I am enjoying my time as a Wife,Mom, and Preschool Director. The Lord continues to grow me in all theses areas daily. I don't think I have ever been stretched more than being a Mom though. But I wouldnt trade it for anything. We hope each of you enjoyed your Holidays and the newness of a New Year!

Christmas Eve we spent the day with the Shields Family. We hung out, played outside, and enjoyed great food. We opened gifts with them and then headed home for the night. We started a tradition of wearing new PJ's Christmas Eve. This is us Christmas Morning. We woke up and Wade read us the Christmas story and then we opened some gifts from each other. Caleb loves pulling things around the house so he got a mower that he can push and stop and then dance to the music. Christmas Day we spent at the Spencer's. Traci made a huge breakfast at her new house and then we went back to my parents and huge out, opened more gifts and then had lunch. Caleb loved playing with Joshua and Sarah and making everyone laugh:) (If you look hard enough you can see that Wade enjoyed a nap too)

Christmas Fun

2009-01-02T16:04:00.004-05:00

We got our Christmas tree a lot later than normal. It has been such warm weather, it hasn't motivated me to decorate. So, we picked out a tree and then we decided to just get the one already bundled for us so we could easily tie it to the top of the Element. But when we got home we were disappointed at how small it was- we learned our lesson. We put the tree upstairs in the loft so you can see it when you walk in the door and it is less tempting for Caleb.

He wasn't as fascinated with the ornaments as he was with the lights. He wanted to touch the lights and pull them closer to see.

We enjoyed a fun Carriage ride with some of our friends. The Billy Graham Library had an outside celebration of lights, live nativity, story telling, and carriage rides.

This is us in front of the HUGE tree that was inside the barn that resembled Billy Graham's when he grew up. The entire barn was decorated so beautifully.

Monday Night Football- Panthers Style

2009-01-02T15:48:00.007-05:00

Caleb and Wade in their matching jersey's before the game. Caleb loves to cheer the Panthers on and puts his arms in the air for a Touchdown! During the National Anthem- it is an amazing sight to see the flag so big and this way. We have gone to a couple of Sunday games this season. Of course, it has been a sweet season seeing them win so many times at home.

We went to our first Monday Night Panthers game this year. It was the first week in December and it was FREEZING cold. We had a blast! We rode the light rail to the stadium, grabbed dinner, and was ready for kick-off. The stadium was packed and it was a totally different feel then a Sunday afternoon game.

We had on so many layers but Wade still managed to show his Panther Pride:)

Thankful Hearts

2009-01-02T15:39:00.003-05:00

Thanksgiving was a tiring holiday for us with Caleb being sick. He had a bad cold the week before and then spiked a high fever on Thanksgiving morning and at the Dr. the next morning found out he had an ear infection. He was pitiful and just wanted to be held. This is Nana playing the piano and singing to him We did have fun going to a Fall Festival and picking out a pumpkin

He enjoyed the Hay ride but I think he needed it to go faster!

Caleb's First Birthday

2009-01-02T15:29:00.004-05:00

We celebrated Caleb's first birthday with a party of family members and friends. The weather was amazingly warm so we celebrated outside. This is his safari cake that I made. I am such a sucker for organic recipes so I made his cake rather than "store bought sugar him up cake". This is first time he had sugar and chocolate! He loved it and wanted more and more and more.

Caleb got so MANY presents so Joshua and Sarah helped him open them.

Caleb with Mimi and Poppi

Caleb with Nana and Pop

Football Fever

2008-10-01T16:24:00.005-04:00

I just love this time of year! It is getting a little cooler and it is Football Season. Although, I have to admit I would have never said these words before I met Wade. But now, I love knowing that Sunday is our day to watch games and even see the Panthers win in person. Wade has been very patient and has taught me so much about football but I think the competitiveness of the game wins me over. This is us last year, right after Caleb was born. We got to go to 4 games last year but the Panthers didn't have the best season. Things are looking better and we cant wait to go to a game in the next few weeks.

Every Sunday we all put on our Panther colors! Caleb loves all the excitement too. He loves it when Wade makes all the noises like if we were at the game. What a cutie! My little panther is growing up and will be One tomorrow.

T-R-O-U-B-L-E

2008-09-28T19:48:00.003-04:00

Caleb is officially everywhere all the time. We have gates up but find ourselves forgetting to close them sometime. And when it is quiet we have learned to look in the spaces he isn't suppose to be- This is one, my closet. At least he loves my nieces dress-up shoes more than mine:) Secondly, he loves looking at himself in the long mirror. Last, he loves the bathroom. He always looks in the shower to see if anyone is in there too.

I will never catch-up!

2008-09-28T09:57:00.006-04:00

So I have neglected our blog ALL summer! I hate it because we took so many pictures and had so much fun too. I will update us a little but really just going to pick up with our current everyday life now:)

This summer, Caleb and I were home most days and enjoyed hangin out, playing in a small pool in the backyard, having play dates with John, going to the neighborhood pool, and meeting Wade at work for lunch (Wade works right beside the airport so Caleb quickly learned the word "up"). And beleive it or not, he learned to crawl in July and he is walking like a pro now-its crazy to think about.

We went to beach in July. It was Caleb's first long car ride and he did great. We had so much fun as a family amd saw Caleb start to crawl while we were there. Of course, that brought many more obstacles of baby-proofing a condo and trying to stop him from eating the sand. We took Caleb all over the beach in his wagon. He loves watching people and we loved how lots of people stopped to talk to him too. We were so thankful to get some time away from work and life in Charlotte that is very busy. We spent one night at a small carnival on the boardwalk. Caleb loved all the animals on the Merry-go-Round. I even rode a mechanical bull- but I will not share the pictures of that! Caleb loved the water so much and didn't care if a huge wave splashed him in the head. What a sweet time for us together as a family of 3!

Happy 'first' Father's Day

2008-06-16T09:50:00.004-04:00

For Wade's first Father's Day, Caleb and I got up and 'tried' to be quiet so that he could sleep in. Caleb played with his toys and some of my cooking spoons as I made breakfast for Wade too. But there came a point when Caleb just had to squeal and laugh out loud and it woke up Daddy. We gave Wade a new cellphone, a Panther's hat, and pictures of us for his desk at work. I am so thankful for Wade as my husband and as a Father. Caleb loves when Wade walks in the room and as soon as he gets home from work they wrestle on the bed or the floor. He is so gentle with him but plays and interacts with him so well. I can express in words how I feel when I see them together and the love Caleb brings to us. I made T-shirts for Caleb and I that we love Daddy and wore them for him yesterday to remind that- We love you!!!

A new suit

2008-06-07T10:50:00.002-04:00

We got Caleb his first swim suit. We had borrowed one for when he swims at my parents. He loves to pose for the camera when I get close to him. We haven't made it up to our neighborhood pool yet. But we have this little pool in the backyard. He kicks his feet so hard until so much water is in his face and then is shocked that he is wet. We have been trying to teach him to wave at us and others. It is more like a whole arm wave. I need to figure out a better way to keep the hat on his head. His cheeks are so chubby the strap comes off.

Summer Time

2008-05-30T12:26:00.003-04:00

Life has become different overnight. School is out and so I am now at home all summer and Wade is back working 8-4:30. It has been such a sweet time to have him home in the evenings again and having all the time I want with Caleb.

We went to the Spencer's on Memorial Day for a cook-out and the big pool was too cold but Joshua and Sarah got the kiddie pool out and Caleb got his first experience with water(outside the bath tub).

Of course, all he wanted to do is chew on something and watch whatever Joshua and Sarah did.

I have been re-doing some old furniture too. So Caleb sat outside and watched me paint the table. He is such a cutie!!!

Actually he just wanted to roll around- that is his mode of transportation.

The Big 3-0

2008-04-30T20:40:00.004-04:00

Wade's 30th Birthday was yesterday and we celebrated it on Saturday with a cook-out. He is such a great Hubbie and Dad, it was a great time to celebrate him and all he means to us. It was also NFL Draft Day so we all wore our Panther's gear as we watched parts of the draft. I made Wade's favorite, coconut cake. Caleb loved the balloons! Happy Birthday Dad! Wade, Caleb, and Uncle Paul

Tummy Sleeper

2008-04-24T14:48:00.003-04:00

Today I went into his room during his nap to get his clothes and I found him with his foot stuck in the side- so much for bumpers! I guess he was comfortable because he fell asleep without a peep.

Just Swingin'

2008-04-24T14:34:00.003-04:00

We have loved walking up to the playground and Hangin Out lately. Caleb loves the swings. Here are just a few pictures from this weekend as we were playing. I am amazed that nothing ever flies into his mouth because it is ususally open.

The Spencer's

2008-04-20T19:08:00.003-04:00

We spent last Sunday at my parents in Gastonia. Here are my parents with Caleb (Mimi and Popi) Caleb is finally at the age were he can interact with Joshua and Sarah more. He is so content just sitting and watching them play around him. Sarah loves to give him toys and try to make him laugh or say something. Climbing the tree in the front yard.

The Playground

2008-04-20T19:03:00.003-04:00

The weather has been so great the past week. So we have been walking up to the playground in our neighborhood. Caleb loves to ride in the stroller. We ususally pass lots of people with their dogs. He loves to swing. He squeals and shakes his arms and legs.

A long Day

2008-04-11T14:42:00.002-04:00

Caleb was born with 2 hydrasills ( I will spare you the details of these on-line) and so we were unable to have his circumcision when he was born. We have been so blessed to have a great pediatrician that recognized the problems immediately and sent us to a Specialist. Since he turned six months a couple of weeks ago, the Dr. recommended we have the surgery to take care of it all. So, here are a few pictures of our very long day. He had his pre-op done while we were in the room and they gave him a teddy bear to hold (he just eats it). We had a long wait for the surgeon to arrive and had a challenge distracting him from being so hungry. He woke up from surgery and immediately we got to go back to see him. I fed him and he quickly relaxed and went back to sleep. After he ate and slept for a little we were discharged to go home. He was really fussy the rest of the day and slept off and on. But once he got home he played some but mostly slept. We are so thankful for the Dr. and hospital staff that were so sweet to us and gave Caleb lots of attention.

Many Faces

2008-04-11T14:33:00.003-04:00

Caleb's personality is starting to come out and he likes to make many different faces. He likes to open his mouth, make loud squeals and clinch his fits.

Most he puts his lip together like he is whistling. But then he can always make a happy face for the camera.

No Family Picture

2008-04-10T20:58:00.003-04:00

I couldn't wait to get a cute family picture of us 3 dressed for Easter. So, our plans were to wake up Easter morning and give Caleb a new fun toy and treats and then head to the Spencer's - but- I woke up about 4:00 am with a severe stomach bug (I will spare you the details). I stayed in bed until lunch time and periodically got up to be with Wade and Caleb. Here he is with his new toy. He woke up with this rash on his face too. Then by evening Caleb had the stomach bug with a high fever- He was miserable! Then 2 days later Wade had it and 3 days later it hit Caleb and me again! But he learned to flip over on his belly in the midst of being sick. This is how we find him in the crib now:)

Daddy and Me

2008-03-20T21:56:00.004-04:00

Wade and Caleb come up to my work quite a bit for lunch or for me to take Caleb home. This is my 2 favorite boys in my office at school. The bib says it all!!

New Tricks

2008-03-20T21:44:00.003-04:00

Over the past month Caleb has starting doing a lot of new things. He has mastered eating cereals and baby food. The first couple of times with food we thought he would never be able to keep anything in his mouth- but one day he did and hasn't stopped. Caleb in his high chair- it is still overwhelming to me to think he is old enough to eat and be in such a big chair. Caleb loves to go outside. In February, it was still so chilly so he would sit in front of the door and play with some toys and stare out the door. He is learning to sit up by himself. He makes some of the weirdest and loudest noises we could ever imagine. Most of the times it is a squeal or a loud grunt.

Turning 30!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-03-20T21:31:00.005-04:00

In February we celebrated my 30th Birthday! It was a mix of emotions as I realized goals I had set and not achieved them and then realizing how much I do have, it was very overwhelming. Wade and I went out dinner at our favorite restaurant and enjoyed being alone. Caleb stayed at home with our friends, the Perkins. After dinner, we were heading to the movies when Wade needed to go back home to get his medicine. To my surprise it was a set-up and my friends were there to surprise me. Laura baked me a Red Velvet cake- my favorite. We had lots of food and even a chocolate fountain:) It was great to just hang out and play games with our friends. On Sunday, we had lunch at the Spencer's and got to blow out my candles with the help of Caleb, Joshua, and Sarah. Mommy and Caleb!

Under the Weather

2008-02-05T15:08:00.000-05:00

Our fourth month check-up was Wednesday and Caleb has 'slimmed' down and is only in the 90% for weight and 50% for height now. He is 17.8! He had a little cold when we saw the Dr. and it got worse over the weekend so I took him back yesterday and he has an ear infection. Needless to say, this picture is how he is sleeping right now. He seems to be much more comfortable sitting up.

Caleb Baby

2008-01-23T16:36:00.000-05:00

These are a couple of pictures of him 'playing' in his Bumbo and trying to stand and talk

My feet

2008-01-23T16:34:00.000-05:00

Caleb has found his feet and loves to play with them. He has some skin problems so we put lotion on him at night and as he dries, he just plays and giggles at his feet.

Tummy Time

2008-01-23T16:25:00.001-05:00

He has recently started enjoying Tummy Time. I think he just has more head control so he doesnt go face first and get as frustrated. You can see his cute little rolls- he sure has a lot of them. I just love tickling him there. He is such a sweet baby

Daddy

2008-01-18T17:32:00.000-05:00

Caleb loves sitting on Wade's lap and watching TV, reading , and playing. We still love bath time. Caleb loves playing on the bed after his bath. He just giggles as we put lotion on him.

Go Panthers!!

2008-01-18T17:14:00.000-05:00

We were blessed to have been able to go to a lot of Panthers games this year. Too bad they had such a horrible record at home. Wade went in September with his friend Brett. I was still prego so I got to spend the day with Brett's wife Jenny and we checked out a new store here, Trader Joe's- love it!!! At the end of October, Wade and I had our first real outing without Caleb. We went to see the Panthers play the Colts. Caleb got loved on by Mimi, Popi, Joshua, and Sarah. My dear friends from Apex, the Harvey's, came to see the 49er's get beat. Josh is the biggest Panthers fan and he got to see them win!! Wade and his friend Joe got to see the Panthers their last win at home this season. Wade and all his Panthers gear.

Caleb has a couple of Panthers outfits and one jersey. Usually on Sunday we all wear our Panthers clothes. Can you believe how big he is? He is growing so fast.

Christmas

2008-01-18T17:01:00.000-05:00

This was Caleb Christmas morning. We woke up and all climbed in bed and Wade read us the Christmas story. Caleb cooed and giggled the whole story. Our peditrician gave Caleb this little Bumbo seat for Christmas. He is just now starting to sit up without tons of support and is enjoying his seat more and more. We went to the Spencer's for Christmas breakfast and opend lots of gifts. We played with Joshua and Sarah and all their new fun toys too. Then we traveled to the Shields' for a late lunch. It was a great day but lots of travel for Caleb- this was his moment of tiredness toward the end of the day.

Mom, Dad, and baby Caleb on their 1st Christmas as a family of 3!! We are so thankful that this Christmas we had a son.

Standing Tall

2008-01-18T16:59:00.000-05:00

My new favorite trick is to stand up. He get so tired of sitting up and any time you hold his hands he pulls himself up. The funniest is when Wade sings and makes him dance at the same time.

A lot to be thankful for

2007-12-29T14:30:00.000-05:00

This Thanksgiving we were overwhelmed by that many blessings in our life over the past year. Caleb and our family now being 3, was the most obvious but we are grateful for Wade's health being good, both our families living so close and such a support for us, jobs we enjoy, our HFG, and our church body just to name a few. Sarah and Joshua have waited so long for baby Caleb. But the disappointment is that he just lays there, sleeps, and doesn't sit up or talk yet. One day he will be chasing his cousins around the house. We spent Thanksgiving lunch at the Spencer's with a full spread of food and playing with Joshua and Sarah. Then, we drove to the Shields' , and enjoyed more food and family for dinner!

Dedication

2007-12-29T14:08:00.001-05:00

On November 17th we joined about 7 other families in the deciation of our new little babies at church. This was a time we dedicate Caleb to the Lord and ask the congregation and our friends to support him as he grows up and prayerfully one day accepts Christ. Like most major events in his life, he slept. He even slept through the entire church service as Pop held him.

Playing Catch-up

2007-12-29T13:36:00.000-05:00

I admit that my plan was to update our blog a couple times a week for everyone to see and watch Caleb grow with us. But with the little 'down time' I choose to do something else. So, for now I will try and give some update on the past month or so. He now enjoys some of his 'toys' like the safari play mat and his swing. But for him to play for awhile he wants someone to seat beside him on the floor:)

He enjoys his bath time. Wade and I often do it togethr and it has become a sweet time for all of us.

Life at Home

2007-10-18T19:41:00.000-04:00

We have been home for over a week and a half but everyday is still an adjustment. We have loved getting settled with all the new baby toys and just realizing that it is more than 2 of us now:) We have loved snuggling with Caleb, learning to give him a bath, and taking walks together. It has been a struggle learning to nurse and being with out sleep night after night. I never knew what sleep deprived meant- I just thought it would be like in college on exam week, but I guess you just never get to sleep in the whole weekend. We had our 2 week check-up. ( We consider ourselves blessed to have such a good pediatrician! She has called us at home to check in on us and even given me her number to ask questions!) So, he now weighs 9lbs and 4 oz. and is a healthy little boy.

Birth of Caleb Tucker Shields

2007-10-03T02:49:00.000-04:00

We want to introduce you to Caleb Tucker Shields. He was born on October 2, 2007 at 10:46 pm. He weighted 8 lbs, 15 oz, & was 20.5 in. long. He is a BIG BOY. He is named after Caleb son of Jephunneh from Number 13 in The Holy Bible. He is also named for Wade's grandfather who passed away this year, Earl Tucker.

There are plenty more pictures located at http://picasaweb.google.com/wadeandsusan04

May he always trust God, & never feel like a grasshopper with Jesus on his side.

Numbers 13:25-33 "²⁵When they returned from spying out the land, at the end of forty days,

²⁶they proceeded to come to Moses and Aaron and to all the congregation of the sons of Israel in the wilderness of Paran, at Kadesh; and they brought back word to them and to all the congregation and showed them the fruit of the land.

²⁷Thus they told him, and said, "We went in to the land where you sent us; and it certainly does flow with milk and honey, and this is its fruit.

²⁸"Nevertheless, the people who live in the land are strong, and the cities are fortified and very large; and moreover, we saw the descendants of Anak there.

²⁹"Amalek is living in the land of the Negev and the Hittites and the Jebusites and the Amorites are living in the hill country, and the Canaanites are living by the sea and by the side of the Jordan."

³⁰Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses and said, "We should by all means go up and take possession of it, for we will surely overcome it."

³¹But the men who had gone up with him said, "We are not able to go up against the people, for they are too strong for us."

³²So they gave out to the sons of Israel a bad report of the land which they had spied out, saying, "The land through which we have gone, in spying it out, is a land that devours its inhabitants; and all the people whom we saw in it are men of great size.

³³"There also we saw the Nephilim (the sons of Anak are part of the Nephilim); and we became like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight."

The Waiting Game

2007-10-01T20:46:00.000-04:00

So we are 2 days away from our due date and waiting everyday to be our sons Birth Day. Actually, we had our practise round Saturday night as we labored until 6 minutes apart but then it all stopped. I have been daily amazed at the entire pregnancy process and even more how anticipating labor is God's perfect timing of when our baby is ready. We have our bags packed and ready by the door but now it is our turn just to wait- a game we aren't that good at. Hopefully our next post will be pictures of our little one. We are so excited to meet him and for everyone else too:)

38 Weeks- 9/19/07

2007-09-25T22:14:00.000-04:00