Happy Birthday, Sweet Lilli!

Lilli...ONE year-old today!  Where did this year go?  Lilli, tonight your Daddy and Bubba went to a Ranger's game with Daddy's friend from growing up. While they were away, you and I had "Mommy and Lilli" time.  After bath, you helped me put on your long-sleeve pajama shirt and your pink puppy dog pants.  We then read your favorite book about animals while zipping up your soft sleep sack that you love.  After nursing and singing a few songs, you just snuggled in my arms and looked at my eyes.  You had the sweetest little face that I hope that I will never forget.  Soon, your heavy eyes started to close, but they quickly opened and then, closed again.  We turned off your lamp, and then I laid you down in your bed with your pink snuggle blanket.  I know that you will never remember today, but I will.  Today was the day that I got to dress you up in pearls that I wore when I married your Daddy.  Today was  the day that you tore the birthday card that your brother so excitedly gave you.  Today was the day that I captured your smile while eating your first cupcake.  Today was the day that my baby girl turned ONE!  Lilli, I know that it won't be long, and you will be reaching many more milestones; however, as I get ready to go to bed tonight, I want to cherish today.  This year you have already accomplished so much, but these are the things that I want you to remember....

1. You are beautiful.  You were hand crafted by your Creator, and He made the most beautiful baby in all of the world.  Your blue eyes are stunning!  Your blonde hair is starting to come in and is radiant in the sunshine. 

2.  You are loved.  I cannot even list all of the people who love you, but you need to know that no matter what, your Daddy and I will never stop loving you.  More importantly than us, your God will NEVER stop loving you.  You are His creation. 

3.  You have a radiant personality.  EVERY where we go, you stop people.  You have the most beautiful voice that tells everyone, "hi".  You stop so many hurried people, and it never fails that they leave with a smile on their face. 

I could list so many more characteristics of you, but as you get older, I really want these to sink in the most.

We love you, Littles!

Wrapping Up... Perdido Key

Carson 4 years, 7 months
Lilli 11 months

 

Carson Reed: 4 years, 7 months

I am continuously amazed how fast time flies.  Our little Carson will be turning 5 here in a few months.  Carson is full of personality and intellect.  This sweet boy has a heart of gold and has already established a genuine love for Lilli.  He has his moments when sharing seems out of the question but is learning to make decisions that show love to others, especially Sister.  His favorite toys right now are playing with all of the Paw Patrol characters: Rider, Chase, Skye, Rubble, Zuma, and Rocky.  Him and Grandy have constructed a plan on how to collect all of the characters.  He has just started playing some on his own.  Carson is a boy of routine and loves consistency.  His mama continues to make him take an afternoon nap due to his early rising of 6:00 am or a little before.  Carson has learned to become an awesome swimmer.  He can dive into the water 4 ft deep and retrieve diving rings.  He is also learning to do flips and hand stands.  Carson has a deep love for music.  He constantly is asking to turn up the music and can tune into any song that is playing in the background.  He is full of energy and can break out the dance moves at any moment.  Our little man has become a picky eater over the past 6 months.  His favorites include hot dogs and hamburgers.  Carson is a very social little man and will start up a conversation with peers and adults.  He loves playing with kids that he meets at the park and other places that we go.  This sweet boy has a memory like none other.  He has already memorized many scriptures!  Carson Reed, you are growing up so fast!  Your Daddy and I always talk about how you are more mature than your years.  You like to have adult conversations and don't miss a beat.  We love you more than any words could every say!  You will always be our Little Man, and we are so grateful that God chose us to be your parents.  There are so many days that I wonder if I did the very best that day as your mom, and I pray that God will give me the skills to show you His love even more the following day.  I know that there are many days that I fail, but through His grace I know that you are going to do something amazing with the talents He has given you.  You are an amazing little boy, and I pray that your love for others and love for God will lead others to know your God.  Carson, we love you so much! 

 

Lillian, Lilli, Littles, Sister: 11 Months

On June 29th, our sweet Lilli turned 11 months-old.  Lilli started crawling on April 3, 2015.  Approximately 3 weeks later, Lilli figured out that walking got her places much quicker.  Now at 11 months, Lilli is almost running to keep up with the pace of her big brother, Carson.  Sweet Lilli charms everyone with her contagious smile and big, blue eyes.  She has melted the heart of her Daddy, Mommy, and even Carson.  Lilli loves to play games, especially peek-a-boo and pat-a-cake.  She is consistently saying "mama", "dada", "Bubba", "KK", "bop", "ook" (book), "hi", and "hat".  Lilli continues to wake up for one feeding in the night.  She is still taking a morning and afternoon nap.  Our sweet Lilli absolutely loves food.  She will pretty much devour any food that you put in front of her.  If you have food or a drink, you can pretty much expect that she will be headed toward you saying, "num num".  She also has discovered that she can make cool clicking noises with her tongue.  Lilli has a deep admiration and love for her big brother.  She thinks that he is pretty much the funniest thing that she has ever seen.  Her little laugh is contagious and brings a big smile to our faces.  Lilli, I thank God for you daily!  Every night, we read a book, sing, and pray.  Our song starts with the words, "Jesus, loves you" and progresses with each one of our family members.  I hope that you and your brother always know how much that you are loved by your Heavenly Father and your earthly family.  You were put here with a purpose, and I am thankful to be a part of the journey to see how God uses you to further His Kingdom.  We love you, Lilli Brooke. (aka: Littles)

 

Fabulous Moments at Perdido Key

Pop and C digging a hole to possibly China!

Lilli's new favorite word is "hat"! She thinks the pool rings are some of the best ones!

C visiting the naval museum. He loves this place!

I will be sad when the day of playing in the sand with trucks is no longer any fun!

Sweet Lilli enjoying her first bites of some shave ice!

Happy 4th of July!

We celebrated the 4th at the Shrimp Basket in Perdido Key and then watched fireworks from the pool deck at the condo. There were some fabulous shows around us!

Sweet Lilli's First Time at the Beach

This July 4th, we were blessed to go to Perdido Key, FL with Pop and Mimi! Our condo is right on the beach. Here was Lilli's first time in the sand. She loved it and even tried a few bites!