Merry Christmas

Levi loved his gifts.

I had turned on his laptop, and I think it drew his attention from the golf clubs and the car. So, he played with it for a while.

Once he saw the golf clubs, he played with those for quite a while.

He then moved to the car. And that was pretty much how the day went: laptop, golf, car, laptop, golf, car... He had little to no interest in opening any other gifts until his nana and papa came with other gifts. Then we got him to open those - with a little help from me...

Christmas Eve

Our Christmas Eve was spent with Kevin's extended cousins. Cindy became one of Levi's favorites very quickly - she bribed him with cheese! After lunch, Cindy braved the cooler temperatures and the other kids and took Levi on the trampoline. He loved it!

The other kids on the trampoline are just a few of Kevin's cousins' kids.

One of the Christmas traditions that Kevin and I have taken from my family's traditions is the giving of Christmas pjs on Christmas Eve.

Jumping

Levi started "jumping" today. Kevin said that earlier today, he would sometimes get one foot off the ground, but this is what happened when we asked him tonight.


Kevin took Levi to the allergist today, which is why he has a Batman sticker on the front of his shirt. (He got the sticker because he was such a good boy at the doctor.) When she saw Kevin, she immediately remembered him - and the difficult time she had getting his allergies under control. She didn't do any pricking, since she assumed that Levi had inherited Kevin's allergies. She gave us some allergy medicine to give him every day. Perhaps that will help him. She also told Kevin that having me nurse Levi only protects him from allergies while he is nursing - which is not what I had heard. Guess the year's protection was at least somewhat helpful...

Christmas at the Zoo

Kevin found out that the zoo in Columbia was decorated with lights, so we decided to see what it was like. We bundled up with our coats, hats, mittens/gloves, and a blanket for Levi.


Levi loved the lights. He would clap and point.

Levi saw the carousel and wanted to ride, so Kevin de-bundled him and found a place for Levi to ride. It was the fastest carousel I've ever seen, but Levi didn't seem to mind. He cared more about the lights on the carousel than finding me for pictures or video clips.


Before we left for the evening, we decided to take a walk through the reptile house and aquarium - mainly to warm up a bit before we left.


Levi really liked to watch the fish.

Seventeen Months

Levi turned 17 months old on Sunday. He is such a character. He still loves to play ball. He calls football, "touchdown", and he loves throwing it with his daddy (mama is an okay second best). Levi also likes to be tackled by daddy while they're playing. Golf is usually still called, "pow" or "pow pow", as is baseball.

Levi likes to eat and say, "cheese". He has started signing "help" more consistently. He is still working towards one nap.

Levi started acting sick again last Thursday night. If you look real close at the picture, you can see some evidence of it... We're taking him to an allergy doctor next week to see if she can help us to know how we can get Levi to feel better on a more consistent basis. It just seems like he's been sick much more often than he's been well over the past couple of months.

O Christmas Tree

Kevin and I put up the Christmas tree on Saturday night after Levi went to bed. We didn't put up all of our ornaments, fearing that little hands or thrown balls could destroy them. The tree still looks relatively full; although the bottom portion of the tree is a little sparse - a few small stuffed ornaments and that's about it. Levi doesn't seem to mind, though.

This was Levi investigating the tree on Sunday morning.

Levi quickly spotted two ornaments - one Auburn football and one Carolina football. He still points to them and says, "Touchdown" (or what we think is "touchdown").

Feeding the Ducks

A few more pictures from our Thanksgiving weekend. There is a park near where my parents live, where there are ducks and fish that love to be fed. So before the Carolina v. Clemson game (11-28-09) we headed downtown with some bread. Here's Levi and Q just getting started.

Levi got a little adventurous - or perhaps it is the goose who was getting brave.

You can see the colorful fish and some of the geese in these pictures.

I can recall only one time that Levi even attempted to put a piece of the bread into his mouth. Quite a feat for a little guy who loves to eat!

Kevin even got in on the action. He had these geese practically eating out of his hand!!

Me and my boys.

Thankful

I am thankful for God's Love. I am thankful for His many blessings. I am thankful for my husband and for Levi. I am thankful for Levi's grandparents - my parents and my in-laws.

I am thankful...

for Levi's great-grandmothers.

for Levi's aunts (those pictured and not pictured - sorry AA and GAK; see GAJ below).

for Levi's uncles (those pictured and not pictured, sorry GUWa; see GUWe below).

for Levi's cousin (well, my cousin, but close enough!!).

that Levi doesn't have to wear reading glasses quite yet.

for hoola hooping.

I am thankful.

Car Story

Monday morning, I took Levi to his nana and papa's house. Levi was sitting in his carseat in the back of my little Civic looking around. We were waiting at the traffic light to turn into their neighborhood, and I hear, "Pow!" I turn around; he grins at me and says again (while swinging his arm), "Pow!" I look around trying to figure out what prompted this spontaneous mention of his favorite sport, golf. I then look in the direction he is looking, and there is a billboard with Phil Mickelson, swinging a golf club. Unbelievable!!

Grandparents

Levi and I have a little game when he will sometimes try to talk around his pacifier. I will say, "I can't understand you, Levi, with your pap in your mouth. You need to take that pap out of your mouth and tell Mama." He'll pull it out real quick, grin really big, and then put it back in just as quick.

One evening last week, Levi and I were on our way home. While sitting in his carseat, he said, "Pap!" I pulled out his pacifier and passed it back to him. I still asked him to say certain words, reminding him that he needed to take out his pap to say them. Me: "Say Mama." Levi: Suck, suck on the pap. Me: "Say Dada." Levi: Suck, suck on the pap. Me: "Say pow." Levi: Suck, suck on the pap. Me: "Say Nana." Levi: Suck, suck on the pap. Me: "Say Papa." Levi: "Papa!" Pap back in the mouth: suck, suck. Only Papa is worthy of removing the pap!

Sunday is our typical Skype night with my parents. This past Sunday evening, Levi and I were playing outside. It was starting to get cooler, so I said, "Levi, time to go inside. We need to get ready to see Mama K and Q." He looked at me, grinned really big, and headed for the door to go inside. We got inside, and he promptly walked to the office, where we have our Skype date. I turned on the lamp. Levi looked at it, then looked at the overhead light and headed to the switch to turn it on, which is usually required so that they can see him (I mean, us) well. He then headed to the desk, on which he usually sits to begin our conversation. Levi greeted them with his tongue sticking out, because his Q will usually end up doing that at some point in the conversation. (What a memory!) While we were talking, Levi also pointed at each of them several times. It was one of his best Skype nights and fun to see how he attempted to interact with his "flat" grandparents.

Sixteen Months Old

Levi turned sixteen months old on this Friday the 13th. My little man has quickly become a toddling boy.

Levi loves anything related to balls - hitting baseballs, basketballs (pretending they're golf balls); throwing baseballs, basketballs, footballs; kicking basketballs, soccer balls, footballs. Kicking is a relatively recent addition to his repertoire - something we've been working on for a while. He surprised me though one day this week. He found his soccer ball, brought it to me, and said, "Kick!" This boy is a sports fanatic. He particularly loves golf - as you've seen in previous posts. He is a big Tiger fan, and I think he hasn't quite figured out why Tiger Woods doesn't look like the tiger in his Fisher Price zoo.

The boy is full of personality. He loves to blow kissies, which tends to be his preferred way to say goodbye.

Levi is cutting his tenth tooth, the top right "first molar". The bottom right lateral incisor cut through a couple of weeks ago.

He loves to "talk". Most often his talking is still nonsense, but he does have a few words that he says on a regular basis now: Mama, pap (his pacifier), kick, hot (which is for items that are either hot or cold), Papa (his granddaddy Hughes), Nana (his grandma Hughes). Much to Kevin's dismay, Levi does not typically say "Dada". If he says it, it is because he has been prompted. Usually, when Kevin says to Levi, "Say Dada", Levi responds, "Gaga". It is so funny.

Levi also loves to communicate with his own version of several signs. He has signs for hello, goodbye, more, milk, please, all done, and help. He's also started making a "yum" noise when he is ready to eat.

And yes he still loves to eat. The doctor told us that most kids become less interested in eating when they start walking. Not Levi. And he's got the cutest tummy to prove it.

Praying for Their Footsteps

Lord, thank you for Levi. Father, please give Levi a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of You. Enlighten the eyes of his heart, so that he may know Your hope, the riches of Your glorious inheritance in the saints, and the immeasurable greatness of Your power toward us who believe according to the working of Your great might that You worked in Christ when You raised Him from the dead and seated Him at Your right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.
Ephesians 1:16-21

Haircut #2

Levi's hair has been getting slightly unruly. So, we made our second visit to the barbershop. Ms. Debbie is very popular, which means the wait to see her can take a while. No appointments are accepted at this old-fashioned barbershop. Today we waited a little more than an hour.

Levi was relatively patient. We only had to take him outside to roam for a little while during the last haircut on which we had to wait. He was complimented by several other patrons on how well-behaved and patient he was.

He was a real sport during his second haircut. Ms. Debbie just kept saying how good he was and how cute, of course. She even had a little smock just his size.

I must warn you, this haircut really makes him look even more like a little boy.

This week, Levi learned how to throw a football. He started with a Nerf football. This video was from Wednesday - not the best example of his throwing prowess, but he is one determined little guy.

He had watched me and Kevin throw the football and is now determined to throw it just like us - with only one hand. Often, he will get the football on one hand and his face is so serious - the picture of concentration. I can only imagine how tough it is for him to balance and then throw that big football with his little hand!

Today, I found a little Auburn football. He seemed a little more proficient with it.

Praying for Their Footsteps

Father, I pray that Levi will receive adoption as one of Your sons. Lord, may he confess that Jesus is Your Son, so that You will abide in him and he in You.
Galatians 4:5; 1 John 4:15

Make him strong, make Your word to abide in him, and strengthen him to overcome the evil one.
1 John 2:14

Check Out Kevin's New Blog

Kevin has started a new blog of his photography. It is called Little Hands Photography and is on my blog list on the right. He's just getting started taking pictures of babies other than our own - and he's doing an incredible job. Check it out!!

Anybody need their baby photographed???

Happy Halloween

We went to our church's fall festival this afternoon. Levi dressed up in his costume for the festivities. Levi's an ewok. Afterward, we stopped at Grandma and Granddaddy's so that they could see how cute he was.

We all dressed up tonight. Our neighbors were kind enough to take our picture.

Can you tell who we all are? Since Levi is an ewok, Kevin is Han Solo, and I'm Leia. Grandma made my costume - isn't it impressive!?!

Levi went trick-or-treating to a few houses tonight with Daddy. Once they got home, he had to take an inventory of everything he'd gotten.

Levi also decided that he wanted to take an inventory of what we had left in our bowl.

Friday at the Fair

We had such a fun day today. Daddy and I both had the day off, so we made a day of it. Out to lunch, to the park to swing and slide, grocery store, two naps (as usual), and then to the fair.

This was Levi's first time to a fair. When we first arrived, Levi was not too sure about all the activity. Once we walked around a bit, he got much more used to everything. He ended up loving the lights and music.


They had a petting zoo, so Levi saw his first goat, llama, camel, kangaroo, and porcupine. He had a staring contest with one of the goats.


Me and my little man. I am so thankful for him.

Praying for Their Footsteps

Father, You are merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.
Exodus 34:6

May Levi receive adoption as son. Do not turn let him turn aside from following You, Lord, but let him serve You with all his heart. Do not let him turn aside after empty things that cannot profit or deliver, for they are empty. Lord, You will not forsake Your people, for Your great name’s sake, because it has pleased You to make Levi a son for Yourself. Father, as for me, Levi's mother, give me wisdom, discernment, and strength to labor in prayer for Levi and to instruct him in the good and the right way. May Levi only fear You and serve You faithfully with all his heart. May we consider what great things You have done for us.
Galatians 4:5, 1 Samuel 12:20-24

Levi Loves Golf

Levi loves to watch golf. His love began by watching his daddy play Wii golf and then watching golf sometimes with his granddaddy. He really loves Tiger, much to his daddy's dismay (he tends to be a Phil fan).

This video shows just a small portion of Levi's reactions to watching Tiger. You'll see his little hands move, like he's trying to show the golf ball what to do.

Made It!

Well, I made it through the week away from my boys - and my boys made it, too. I was so excited to have them both greet me at the airport.

A few things from last week. Levi turned 15 months old on Tuesday. He went to the doctor. He was 32 inches tall (80th percentile). He weighed 25 lbs 14.5 ounces (70th percentile). His head circumference was 19 inches (80th percentile). The doctor opted not to give Levi his latest vaccines, because he was still fighting a cold. I had asked Kevin to take a picture of him on his 15-month birthday. He remembered a little late.

Levi had bunches of bathtime fun...

or perhaps it was just that Kevin thought about the camera then...

I had a challenging weekend with Levi. I don't know if it was not being into the groove of things, Levi readjusting from an entire week without me, or what, but Levi acted out - a bit spoiled rotten. The picture below was from the night I got back - before Levi decided to be a challenge.

I was able to check Levi's mouth on Sunday night. His top left molar has broken through. The official teeth count: five on top; three on bottom.

Levi has also learned another sign - or his own version of it. He will only sign it when prompted, so I say, "Levi, say please." Then he'll sign it. The official sign count: five (hello, bye-bye, more, milk, and please).

Like it or not

Today, I will be traveling to Florida to assist another plant in their audit. I've known this day was coming for a while. I haven't blogged about it, because I didn't want to think about it. But, it is here. Whether I like it or not, I'm about to get on an airplane and leave my boys for five nights. To say that I am upset is probably an understatement.

More than likely, your next update on Levi will be next weekend. But a bit of a preview is that Levi turns fifteen months on Tuesday, and he is scheduled to go to the doctor for a check-up that day, too.

This past week, Levi and I have been battling a cold. Kevin began the battle on Friday. Levi is still coughing, but he really does seem to be doing better.

Haunted House?

Our next door neighbors love the holidays. At Christmas they go all out. Lights everywhere; little trains rolling around on tracks; music playing. They were very excited to share last week that they would be adding to their Halloween decorations this year - lights and music. Tonight, the music was playing when we went outside. Levi decided he would check it out. When we first went out there, Levi "danced" (i.e. bounced) to the music. I ran back inside (Levi in tow) for the camera, but then he was more enthralled with the lights than dancing to the music. The CD also includes little dialogues, and well... Watch for yourself.


At least he thought the "haunted house" wasn't scary. He has been very skittish lately. The other day, he was terrified by the DVD player popping out the DVD about two seconds after he pushed the eject button. Apparently, the delayed response really got to him.

Praying for Their Footsteps

Your way, O God, is holy; What god is great like our God? You are the God who works wonders; You have made known Your strength among the peoples. You are the God of love and peace. Be with Levi; make him complete in You. Comfort him. Lord, may Levi continue to grow and become strong. Father, increase wisdom in Levi. Place Your grace upon him.

Psalm 77:13-14; 2 Corinthians 13:11; Luke 2:40

Bathtime

I had Friday off again, and we had a great day. Saturday the three of us had fun going to the gym at church and visiting with some friends of ours and then running some errands together before Kevin left to see "his team" play some football.

Levi is trying to cut some of his back teeth, and his hand is usually in his mouth. He got fussy this afternoon because of them. However, he always has fun at bathtime!

Usually, he plays more than he bathes, though.

Praying for Their Footsteps

Father, let Levi receive Your word at an early age and accept it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in all believers.

Lord, You are the God of peace. You are faithful. Please, Father, sanctify Levi. Strengthen him as he grows up so that he will rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances.

1 Thessalonians 2:13, 5:16-18, 23-24

Church...

it wears a boy out!

After Levi took about a two hour nap, he woke up happy and hungry. I moved his chair down so that he is actually sitting at the table with us. He really loves it.

Hot Air

Saturday morning, the three of us woke up VERY early to see the hot air balloons at a local festival. The weather did not cooperate, but a few of the groups tried to blow up their balloons. All attempts were short-lived, but Levi seemed to enjoy it. Unfortunately, the weather did affect our pictures.

Saturday was also the first birthday party of a little girl, whose parents are our friends. Levi decided he liked the girls' car.


But, Levi didn't understand why his daddy didn't think he should be riding in a pink car!

You can also see his most recent injury from Thursday - a cut right next to his right eye. Thankfully, no eye injury and no black eye!

Playing Ball

Levi is still fascinated with the baseball bat.

He also loves to walk. He loves for me to "sing". His favorite songs include: Take Me Out to the Ball Game, My God is SO Big, ABC's, and the Auburn Fight Song. Levi loves to read, usually, but sometimes he prefers to just pull out all his books from the bookshelf. His favorite books the past two or three nights include: God Loves You Very Much, Peedie, Hop on Pop, and both of the Little Pookie books. Levi still loves to eat. He'll eat just about anything. The other day, I weighed Levi - 25 pounds.

Praying for Their Footsteps

Well, I will be posting Praying for Their Footsteps on Wednesdays.

Father, please fill Levi with the knowledge of You so that he will grow in all spiritual wisdom and understanding and walk in a manner worthy of You, fully pleasing to You, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of You. May You strengthen Levi with all power, according to Your glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, so that he will give thanks to You and be qualified to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. Father, deliver us from the domain of darkness and transfer us to the kingdom of Your beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Colossians 1:9-14

Reunion

Despite Levi's runny nose, Levi and I made a trip to Atlanta to see some of the girls from my Bible study during my days at Auburn. Our stay in Atlanta was much too short, but I had a great time visiting and Levi had fun playing with and watching the other kids.

On our trip, Levi had some Cheerios for a snack. The Cheerios were in a "Snack Catcher". However, the "Snack Catcher" did not catch all of Levi's snack.

Also, on our trip, I found a new favorite song for Levi - the Auburn fight song! I think he really enjoys the fact that I use the steering wheel to clap. He just kept telling me, "more" (using sign language, of course!).

Friday with Levi

I had today off from work, so Levi and I had the day to ourselves. What fun! I noticed while we were playing today that Levi's bottom left lateral incisor has broken through. He let me check his top right lateral incisor.

We played all day, despite Levi having a cold since Monday. He seems to be doing better, even without taking him to the doctor.

The three of us had dinner with another couple on Friday night. What a fun time of fellowship! They're expecting their first, so it was fun to see all the work they'd done to prepare for their little bundle of joy.

What a Cutie!

You can see his five teeth pretty well in this picture.

Most of you know that we are a house divided, and it is never more evident than between the end of August and the end of December or sometimes the first of January. I still had to agree with Kevin that Levi made this shirt look good!

I forgot to mention yesterday's "Praying for Their Footsteps" was my 200th blog! WHOA!