Levi and Kara

Hopping

2012-01-21T20:51:00.001-06:00

Levi has learned to hop on one foot!

Exhibit One

2012-01-19T20:49:00.001-06:00

Why does Daddy NOT want to feed Kara Jane prunes?

The Chef

2012-01-14T20:46:00.000-06:00

Levi got a kitchen for Christmas. Khaki and Q went on a European river boat cruise right after Christmas. They returned bearing gifts. One of the gifts was something for the chef in his kitchen.

Too Cute!

2012-01-09T20:44:00.000-06:00

Kevin and I took some pictures of little miss tonight. This is definitely NOT one of Kevin's shots, but I had to take a quick snap before the photo shoot began. A little girl in an Auburn tutu! TOO cute!

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T20:40:00.000-06:00

First church, and then we were off to CC and Chris's to spend a little time with them on Kara's first New Year's Day. Then we had some time with Audry, Gary, and the boys. Levi had a blast all day, and so did Kara Jane. One of Gary's boys totally melted my heart with how sweet he was with Kara. I wish I'd had my camera, but I'll hold onto the memory of their precious little faces.

Here is the little sweetheart in the dress she got from Mama Rains for Christmas. I kid you not - I want to put her in this dress every day! Isn't she cute?

And here is my handsome little man! He's growing up SO fast!

First New Year's Eve

2011-12-31T20:35:00.000-06:00

Kara Jane ate prunes for the first time on her first New Year's Eve...

The weather was really beautiful, so we took advantage of it by using the new wagon that Khaki and Q gave to Levi and Kara Jane. They both LOVE the wagon. Kara sits up so straight and proud to be doing something with her big brother. Levi loves watching everything. I finally remembered the camera on this trip. I told Levi I wanted to take a picture, and he did the following - totally unsolicited:

My kiddos, plus Mario (of course)...

Post-Christmas

2011-12-26T20:31:00.000-06:00

Levi got a Buzz Lightyear sleeping bag from Mama Rains for Christmas. He wanted to sleep in it, but we didn't want him on the floor all night. He wanted to take it to school as his nap mat, but we knew his little cubby wouldn't fit it. He was thrilled when he realized he could take a nap in it at home. He also wanted to read his new books from CC and Chris. This is how I found him after his first nap in his Buzz sleeping bag...

Christmas 2011, Part 2

2011-12-25T21:26:00.001-06:00

Kara Jane's first Christmas. I was really looking forward to it - both sets of grandparents, Kevin's aunt, my sisters, and my brother-in-law all shared the day with us, including being there to see Levi's face when he saw "the loot".

Levi spent most of the morning preparing food for everyone in his kitchen.

Kara spent a great deal of the morning in my lap...

Khaki and Q got Levi and Kara Jane a wagon, so that they can travel in style - whether just in the neighborhood or going to the beach. Levi loved it.

We had a crowd for lunch - it was such fun. My cousin, her husband, her three kids, and our backdoor neighbors with their two kids all joined the festivities. What a privilege to share the holidays with family and friends.

Here's a picture of Khaki reading to our neighbor and Levi.

Here's Kara in her Christmas outfit.

Kara also started playing a game with her Papa.

Christmas Eve

2011-12-24T21:23:00.000-06:00

A family picture before Kara's first Christmas Eve service.

What a gift it was for us to have Kevin's parents and my parents, sisters, and brother-in-law join us for service!

Christmas 2011, Part 1

2011-12-17T21:06:00.001-06:00

We usually have Christmas with my Mama Rains and my aunt and her family on Christmas Eve, but since we were anticipating Kevin's parents and aunt arriving the day before Christmas Eve we celebrated Christmas early. My mom's brother and sister-in-law (Uncle Wes and Aunt Joy) also made the trip, which made the pre-Christmas Eve celebration even more fun!!

My camera did not make it through the whole day - in fact it only took one picture. It was a sweet one, though.

Mama Rains rocked Kara Jane almost the entire time we were there. Kara fell asleep in her arms. Mama Rains said that she had a whole bunch of rocking to do for herself, my Papa, and my Grandmother Greer. I really missed them even more than usual today. She also talked about how she knew her arms were going to start having that same "aching" feeling that she got when me and my sisters were growing up and she hadn't seen us in a while. She would be "aching" to hold us again.

Levi's Christmas Program

2011-12-16T21:02:00.001-06:00

Levi's Christmas program at school was short but oh so sweet. Since I was juggling the video camera and Kara, I only got to snap a couple of pictures with my camera.

I think he was looking around trying to find me - or at least someone from his family. When he finally found me, he was all smiles.

They sang, "Do you know why it's Christmas?", an upbeat version of "Go tell it on the mountain", and "Happy birthday, Jesus".

Kara Jane's 6th Month Appointment

2011-12-12T21:49:00.000-06:00

Kara went to the doctor today. She weighed 16 pounds 8 ounces (50-75th percentile). She was 26.5 inches long (75th percentile). Her head was 17 inches in circumference (75th percentile). She got two shots and was only mad at Daddy for a little while.

Kara tried green beans for the first time tonight. She looks like she's saying, "I'm not to sure about this green stuff, Mama."

"Yes, Daddy, I really like them!"

She actually ate the entire container of green beans - well, she either ate it or ended up wearing it!!

I don't remember Levi being such a messy eater, but the main reason she's such a mess is that almost after every bit her thumb would go into her mouth. I can't remember if I've confessed that yet - we have a thumb-sucker. She prefers her left thumb. She likes to put everything in her mouth - thumb, fingers, socks, books, hair, etc.

Kara Jane has also started sitting up pretty well over the past week. Each day she sits up longer and longer - and with a straighter back.

A Few Firsts For KJ

2011-12-04T21:01:00.003-06:00

Last night after the baking and decorating, Audy helped me by getting the exersaucer out of the attic. After everyone left, I cleaned it up and put fresh batteries in all the little toys. Then, Kara had a turn in it. She had a great time and so did Levi. I think he pushed the buttons for the noises more than she did! I didn't get a picture of her first ride in it, but here is a picture of her in it from tonight.

During Kara's 4-month check-up, the doctor didn't mention anything about rice cereal or baby food. I have been holding off, but lately Kara has been acting like she wants more bottle when she's done. So, today I cleaned up the high chair and gave her some rice cereal after her afternoon bottle.

I wasn't sure what she thought about it at first, but after the first five bites or so, she really seemed to have figured it out. She started opening her mouth when I brought the spoon close and kept most of the rice cereal in her mouth.

Little Miss Baker

2011-12-03T20:52:00.000-06:00

Today, Kara Jane turned 6 months old. She had a fun day baking gingerbread with Mama, Audy, and CC. She spent the majority of the time in the Baby Bjorn, and she LOVED it!

We decided to change things up this year and do a gingerbread nativity instead of a gingerbread house. We got a little carried away - by making each of us Mary, Joseph, a donkey, a camel, a shepherd, and three Wise Men.

We also had BUNCHES of other cookie shapes that needed to be decorated. We had several little helpers, but the adults definitely ended up with bulk of the work. I forgot to snap Levi's picture while he decorated his two cookies.

Kara Jane turned 6 months old today. Time really does go too quickly! This little girl is so very precious. We are so blessed.

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T20:43:00.000-06:00

Kara Jane's first Thanksgiving was spent in Madison at Khaki and Q's house. The cute turkey shirt was from Nana.

To say Mama Rains is smitten with the newest addition to the Hughes family is probably an understatement.

With all the excitement, Levi did NOT want to take a nap. He was finally coerced into "resting" on his daddy. I think he was out in less than 10 seconds.

After nap, we all went to a new Veteran's Memorial in Huntsville. Khaki and Q had bricks engraved - one for my grandaddy Greer and one for my papa. The kids are sitting / standing near the bricks. Can you find the names?

Hints - the picture above has my grandaddy Greer's name AND don't let Levi's look fool you.

Christmas Parade

2011-11-18T20:36:00.001-06:00

We went to the Christmas parade again at the nearby outdoor mall. This year, Daddy didn't get to go with us, because he was visiting Dee Dee - and Nana and Papa. Instead, Kara Jane and Levi's wonderful caregiver and her husband met us there for a fun evening.

I think Levi waved at every single person in the parade as they passed us.

And of course, CC and Audy met us there, too, for Kara's first Christmas parade.

Levi loves attention from his aunts!

First Field Trip

2011-11-07T21:05:00.005-06:00

Today was Levi's first field trip with school. When I heard about the day, I knew I was going to take the day off to spend the day with him. Then, we found out if a parent / guardian didn't go, then the child didn't go.

The field trip was a fun day at Old Baker Farm - where we have gone the past two Halloweens to get our pumpkins.
Levi got to pet a baby chick and a baby duck, a rabbit, a lamb, and several goats.

We worked our way through a hay maze.

He found an old rocking chair to rest for a minute.

He also climbed the hay bales.

We even got pumpkins again. He was a little nervous on the hay ride to the pumpkin patch that the "desperadoes" would come to get us like they did when we went to get our first pumpkins. This time, no desperadoes... So, he quickly became focused on the fact that he wanted a green pumpkin this time. His teacher was a little nervous that he wouldn't find one... He wasn't disappointed, though. :-)

All that fun meant one tired boy.

Rolling Video

2011-11-06T21:15:00.000-06:00

A quick video of Levi and Kara Jane.

Finally, a video of Kara Jane rolling over.

PS - don't you love her dress? Daddy picked it out from Janie and Jack - and it was less than $13!!

Happy Halloween 2011

2011-10-31T20:55:00.000-05:00

Levi got to dress up for school today. The stipulation was that the costume had to be easy for the kids to get into and out of for the restroom. The Mario costume did not fit that requirement. PJs were an acceptable "costume", so Levi was Superman for school.

Levi was excited to wear his Mario costume again - and the mustache of course.

Until he actually got the mustache stuck to his face. Then he decided he didn't want to wear the mustache at all.

The Happy Harpers trick-or-treated with us again this year. It is so awesome for me to see our kids interact. I think they all had a really fun time.

Kara was a cow, just like Levi was for his first Halloween.

Soccer

2011-10-29T20:51:00.000-05:00

Levi has been taking a soccer class called Turf Tykes. He has been doing pretty well. I have neglected to take my camera, though, until this Saturday.

The main point for the lessons is to get the kids to obey the coach. In the picture below, the boys were laying on their bellies and then taking turns one at a time to jump (or usually step) over the other boys one at a time. They were having a great time.

This is...

2011-10-26T20:13:00.002-05:00

Today, Kara started getting upset while I was finishing talking with our new nanny before she left. Before I knew it, Levi went over to the blanket where Kara was starting to cry. I heard his sweet little voice begin singing, "This is the day; this is the day that the Lord has made..." And do you know what? Kara stopped her fussing - and started watching and listening to her big brother. Too precious! And what a blessing - to have such an awesome "big brother" and an enamored "little sister".

Fall Festival 2011

2011-10-23T20:44:00.003-05:00

Levi decided about a month or two before Halloween that he wanted to be Mario. The day we purchased the costume, he "had to wear it" as soon as we got home. He was very disappointed, though, that I wouldn't let him wear the mustache. I explained that the mustache was for one wear only and that he needed to save it for Halloween.

Khaki watched Kara Jane while Daddy and I went to a fall festival with Levi, I mean, Mario. Again, Levi was disappointed that he couldn't wear the mustache, but we improvised with an eye-liner mustache.

Here is Mario before the fall festival.

We had a really fun time at the fall festival. Levi played many games, got bunches of candy, and bounced in a bouncy house.

Rolling

2011-10-19T21:14:00.002-05:00

Kara Jane rolled over for the first time tonight! She rolled from her back to her tummy - and then straight back to her tummy. I put her back on her tummy a little while to let her belly surf and to see if she could roll again from tummy to back. Not even an effort to do anything other than belly surf. When I put her back on her back, she tried several times to get back onto her tummy. You should have heard her grunts and seen her determined little face - but she never could duplicate the roll. We'll work on it some more tomorrow!

Quick Updates

2011-10-17T20:24:00.002-05:00

Kara Jane went to the doctor on October 5 for her 4-month check up. She weighed 14 pounds, 9 ounces (75th percentile) and was 24.5 inches long (75th percentile). Her little thighs are quite pudgy - and absolutely adorable. She loves to talk. Sometimes she gets so loud, you have to really look at her to figure out if she's happy or upset.

This past weekend, she started getting pretty fussy and was gnawing at her hands even more than usual. I could see three little "white spots" on her gums. Today, I could barely feel where one tooth has broken through her gums. Believe it or not, the tooth is NOT one of her two front teeth! Those are the other two "white spots" I can see. I think it is either a cuspid or a first year molar - it just seems too early for either one. It was hard for me to tell tonight, so I will have to do some more investigating tomorrow.

Levi has been attending a soccer program on Saturdays, learning some of the basics of soccer and how to listen to a coach. We had one rough week, where we ended up not even staying for the lesson, but other than that, he has done really well. I've been negligent on the pictures. There are two more sessions, I believe, so I will do my best to capture a few highlights.

Levi's teacher told me the other day that he has a wonderful vocabulary and that he loves to talk to adults. He will talk to his teachers from last year, Ms. Ann and Ms. Donna, as soon as he arrives on the playground. Levi has been taking computer class at school, and he is really enjoying it. He also likes going to Missions, and he has told me about Haiti - how some of the people there have to carry water on their heads and how they have dirty water. At church on Sundays, he goes to "big group" where he has learned about Mexico and how to sing "Jesus Loves Me" in Spanish!! He has learned a new prayer from his teacher - the Superman prayer. I'll have to get it on video. Levi loves to sing, and I love hearing him sing songs about God and Jesus. It is so awesome to know that he already has these "kid" songs in his heart and mind - because those "kid" songs represent some incredible truths!

Nana and Papa (Kevin's parents) arrived yesterday to help us this week as we are in between caregivers for Kara Jane. (I will spare the details of that story, but the stress of that and my job are two main reasons I have been missing from the blogging world lately.) Levi was so excited to see them. He's been telling us, "I'm missing my Nana, my Papa, and my Dee Dee." Dee Dee couldn't come this trip, but they will all be coming back to experience Halloween with them.

One other thing that has resulted from the stress (that I'd rather not talk about here) is that Kara Jane is now on formula. The guilt I feel is huge with that change, but my supply was getting so low she just wasn't getting enough. I could really tell on the weekends when she could never go as long between feedings as she could on the weekdays when she would get at least a certain amount from the bottle.

Daddy is super busy at school - and doing extremely well this semester. He is also teaching as a GTA - and while it takes him away a great deal of the time, we are very thankful for the benefits that come with the position.

I really do apologize for not keeping things more up to date here. I will try to do better - and I am sorry I can't use more accountable language than "try".

Old Baker's Farm (Part 2)

2011-10-09T20:20:00.000-05:00

We went to Old Baker's Farm again to get our pumpkins. This time, we went with my family. I wasn't nearly as camera happy this time. I was just soaking in the family time.

Levi liked the tractors.

Kara Jane liked her thumb.

Levi Entertains

2011-09-28T20:12:00.003-05:00

Can you see all the cars on the tray of Kara's chair? Levi decided to entertain his baby sister and share some of his toys with her. Kara Jane wasn't too sure what she thought about his efforts.

Finally!!!

2011-09-18T22:11:00.001-05:00

Levi got a tricycle for his second birthday. We have spent countless hours pushing him around over the past year - with little to no interest from him in pedaling himself.

Today, we got back from the store and I was running things into the house. I heard the familiar squeal of the pedals (they move round and round when we push him), and it took a moment to register that no one was in the garage with Levi.

I honestly was beginning to wonder if the boy would ever decide he wanted to ride a bike. We're so excited and proud!

Kara Laughing

2011-09-17T22:08:00.002-05:00

Kara Jane has really started turning on the charm with her smiles and laughter.

Kara Grinning

2011-09-12T22:07:00.000-05:00

In the Bumbo

2011-09-05T22:04:00.000-05:00

Levi was never very fond of the Bumbo seat when he was a baby. Here is Kara in it for the first time.

She really seemed to enjoy it, particularly because she could see her big brother. This little girl loves her big brother!

Levi decided he needed a turn in the seat, too.

A Family Divided

2011-09-03T22:01:00.001-05:00

Levi supports his favorite team.

And so does Kara Jane...

More Kara

2011-08-27T22:12:00.000-05:00

First Day of 3K

2011-08-22T22:08:00.002-05:00

Here is Levi on his first day of school.

He was pretty excited to go back and to see his friends. He was disappointed, though, that all his friends from last year are not in his new class. He has been blessed again with an incredible teacher. We are excited to see what all he learns!

Happy Kara

2011-08-14T21:08:00.001-05:00

Kara has really started smiling and reacting to the world around her. This picture was taken on 8-13-2011.

This video is from 8-14-2011.

Blue Dress

2011-07-31T21:06:00.000-05:00

One of the things for which I am very thankful is that my mom saved a few of the dresses I wore as a baby. This dress happens to be extra special because my grandmother did the smocking. I apologize for it being a blurry picture, but no flash and Kara's spastic movements are not a good combination.

Fun Camp

2011-07-22T22:01:00.000-05:00

Levi went to his first fun camp this week. I thought he'd get to play a bit more soccer than he did, but he had a good time and really that's all that matters.

He's wearing the shirt he made on Tuesday of this week and holding the goody cup that the coaches gave him. Those are his hand prints making the spider.

This is how Kara spent most of the week at camp.

Three Year Check-Up

2011-07-18T21:54:00.001-05:00

Levi went to the doctor today. He weighed 34 pounds (75th percentile) and measured 39.5 inches tall (90 to 95th percentile). He had his blood pressure taken for the first time. He held my hand but didn't squirm or anything the whole time. Levi also got one shot. Somehow Daddy convinced Levi that it wouldn't be that bad - or maybe it was the bribe of a Holley Shiftwell car - but he didn't cry at all.

Kara Jane was also weighed while we were at the doctor. She had gained a pound - up to 10.1 pounds. She had been spitting up more and more after each feeding - and started crying after the feedings sometimes, too - and would cough a terribly raspy sounding cough. The doctor agreed with my suspicions - she has reflux. :-(

Levi's Friend Birthday Party

2011-07-16T21:42:00.000-05:00

Daddy and I wanted to let Levi have a friend birthday party this year. He was very excited about seeing his friends from church and school - although, deciding who to invite was quite an event. He had an opinion on just about every person. When Khaki asked if she could come to his friend birthday party, he told her emphatically, "No! It's my FRIEND party!"

Levi had also been opinionated as to where the party was going to be held - a nearby park. So, when the day finally arrived, Daddy and I kept a close eye on the weather. Not sure whether we were hoping for an afternoon thunderstorm or not, but God gave us a truly wonderful day for a Saturday in mid-July. It was cloudy for most of the party, so the temperature wasn't all that horrible.

Levi had a great turnout to his party. We have been blessed with such sweet and wonderful friends.

Levi's aunt CC did an incredible job with the cupcakes...

The mom of one of Levi's friends looked at me after we sang "Happy Birthday" to Levi and said, "I wish I had my camera. His face was absolutely precious - made me want to cry." I knew just what she was talking about. While the birthday song is being sung to Levi, he looks around to each person with a smile of pure joy and absolute contentment. The exact same look from his second birthday and from his family birthday.

He was pretty excited when he blew out his candles.

He decided after he went to the pinata party earlier this summer that he wanted a pinata too. Here he is taking the first swing.

Happy 3rd Birthday, Levi

2011-07-13T20:43:00.000-05:00

Levi was a bit confused about his birthday this year, because his actual birthday was in between his family birthday party and his friend birthday party. Once he grasped that today was his actual birthday, he wanted to wear his birthday hat while he ate breakfast

and while he opened his first gift.

Jamie's son, Speed Racer, and Levi share the same birthday but are one year apart. Jamie was smart enough to have his birthday party on his birthday (i.e. NO confusion), so Levi had his first iJump experience. Even though he's not much of a climber, he had a really great time.

Lawn Mower

2011-07-11T20:37:00.000-05:00

Levi got a lawn mower that blows bubbles from Mama Rains for his birthday. We had a little trouble getting the bubbles started...

Once Daddy worked his magic, Levi had fun mowing the lawn.

Levi's Family Birthday Party

2011-07-10T21:15:00.000-05:00

Daddy and I decided to try having two birthday parties for Levi this year - a family party and a friend party. Today was Levi's family party, and he was SO excited. He played really hard with the big boys until it started to rain. Then, he finally settled down enough to let someone read to him - and he really latched onto Alexa (my cousin's "little" girl) after that.

Levi decided shortly after his birthday last year that he wanted to have a Veggie Tales birthday. My sisters were gracious enough to make his cake again this year. I thought it turned out really well -

- and Levi LOVED it!

Daddy and I searched high and low in Wal-Mart for a birthday hat and couldn't find one. We ended up saying that it wouldn't be a big deal. Imagine my surprise when Levi came up to me while I was finishing dinner and said, "Mama, where's my birthday hat?" I couldn't believe it!! I told him that we didn't have one, but that he needed to ask Daddy too. My family sprang into action, and Alexa made Levi the most precious birthday hat ever!

We bravely put Levi on the kitchen island as we sang, "Happy Birthday", to him. He looked around at every person with the cutest little grin as we sang.

Kara Jane wasn't forgotten, though. All the girls were very excited when they got to put a tutu on her.

Thank you to everyone who came - for the gifts and for making it such a special time by taking the time to come. We love you all and are so thankful to have such a loving family.

One Month Check-up

2011-07-08T21:05:00.001-05:00

I took Kara to the doctor today for her one month check-up at 5 weeks old. Our little girl weighed 9.1 pounds (over 3 pound weight gain from when we brought her home from the hospital), which puts her in the 50th percentile. She measured 21.5 inches long, a 1 inch gain from birth - and in the 75th percentile. Her head circumference was 14.5 inches - the 25th percentile.

She is a pretty good eater; although she spits up quite a bit after every feeding - much like Levi did.

Kara Jane still loves to be swaddled. She also seems to like having something at the bottom of her feet when she's sleeping. Patting her rear-end if she's fussy soothes her. Trust me, though, she's not fussy very often unless she's hungry, hurting (think gas pains or needing to spit up), or so sleepy she can't get herself to sleep.

Nana, Papa, and Dee Dee were here to visit for the upcoming family birthday party. They arrived on Wednesday and have a great help - either entertaining Levi or holding Kara. Levi is still doing really well with Kara. When Nana, Papa, and Dee Dee got here, they were playing upstairs with Levi. I held Kara as I climbed the stairs to tell them something. Levi promptly met me at the top of the stairs and said, "Mama, go downstairs. Don't come up here." I knew they probably thought Levi was being terribly rude to me, but I knew what he was trying to say. He didn't want Kara Jane to come upstairs because he knew he wouldn't be able to keep playing baseball if she were there!

One Month

2011-07-05T20:59:00.000-05:00

I don't know what it is about the way a newborn moves all around, but there is just something endearing about it to me. Here's Kara Jane moving all around on the day she turned one month old (July 3).

Levi went to Khaki and Q's house for the fourth of July. He had a really fun time, playing Wii, tennis, and trains - just to name a few things. Khaki and Q took Levi to church with them, and they were so proud of his behavior. He sat still and quiet - and only had to be reminded one time that he needed to speak more quietly. Khaki said that he only acted homesick when it was bedtime, when he would say, "Mama, Daddy, and Kara miss me." We most certainly did!! But, we knew he was having a wonderful time.

Summer Fun

2011-06-21T20:22:00.003-05:00

We bought Levi a "fun sprinkler" today - to give him some relief from the summer heat. Of course, being in the yard is not a complete experience unless some type of sports is involved.

Kara's Eyes

2011-06-19T19:20:00.000-05:00

We're seeing these beautiful eyes more and more now.

Visitors

2011-06-18T20:17:00.000-05:00

Kara Jane met her Mama Rains and Great Aunt Kathy today. What a treat to have these wonderful ladies come to visit us!

Here's our beautiful Mama Rains with both her great-grands.

Weighing In

2011-06-17T13:15:00.001-05:00

Kara Jane went to the doctor today for her two week appointment - and weighed 6 pounds 9 ounces. The doctor was very pleased - and I was thrilled.

Kara is becoming quite the eater. She still sleeps a great deal, but the doctor said it is still completely normal for her to do that since she technically hasn't even met her due date yet.

Big and Little

2011-06-16T20:09:00.001-05:00

Levi is really sweet with Kara Jane. He wanted to hold her by himself for a long time. I was finally brave enough to let him - and take a picture - today.

He never likes to hear her cry. If he hears her (and she really doesn't cry very often), he'll say, "We need to check on baby Kara."

He "taught" Daddy how to change a baby girl's diaper.

He loves to help me with things for her.

He is a great big brother - and we try to tell him that as encouragement at every turn.

Kara is a very sweet baby. We are so blessed.

Sunday Baseball

2011-06-12T19:47:00.004-05:00

Daddy took Levi to a minor league baseball game - and my two boys made a BIG day of it.

Levi ate his first cracker jacks.

Levi watched the game (at least for a couple of minutes).

Levi jumped in a bouncy house.

Levi threw the baseball.

Levi met the team's mascot.

You might be able to see in the picture above that Levi is holding a red bat. That was the treat Levi picked from the team's store - and it has quickly become one of his most treasured possessions.

Levi ate some ice cream.

And loved it...

Levi got to run from first base to third base after the game.

Daddy said that Levi actually rounded third heading for home when one of the guys on the field had to re-direct him back to the stands.

They had such a great time - while Kara and I stayed home. Maybe we'll get to join them next year. :-)

Week One

2011-06-12T14:34:00.002-05:00

Kara turned one week old on Friday, and we've been home one week today. Kara Jane (we haven't decided yet whether she's Kara Jane or Kara) has been to the doctor twice. On Tuesday she weighed 5 pounds 14.5 ounces - essentially the same that she weighed the day after her birth. On Friday, she weighed 6 pounds 1.4 ounces. The doctor was very pleased with her increase and said that she had been hoping for at least a half ounce a day - to have almost an ounce of weight gain a day was a great feat for a little one Kara's size.

Kara Jane sleeps a great deal, but each day she seems to have longer and longer "wakeful" periods.

Kara Jane has had some special visitors during week one - including one of my uncles and aunts from Texas who had come for a surprise party we'd planned to celebrate Khaki finishing her doctoral program. The party was held as scheduled - on June 4 - the day after Kara's surprise arrival. Levi got to go to the party - and had a great time - while Mama, Daddy and Kara continued our recuperation at the hospital.

Levi is doing exceptionally well with her. He loves to "hold" her and kiss her. He's only said a couple of times that he'd like for her to go back into Mama's belly. People warned me before Kara was born that I would be shocked at how BIG Levi is now, and they were telling the truth about that! He seems so much more grown-up! He's been able to have some fun times this week with Daddy - the zoo, the library, and other little trips to "just get out of the house". He also got to go swimming and then have pizza with Audy and two of his favorite boys one evening.

First Swimming Lesson

2011-06-04T19:55:00.002-05:00

Levi had his first swimming lesson today. Thankfully Audy had already agreed to be the stand-in parent for Levi's parent-child lesson.

Birthday Pictures

2011-06-03T20:31:00.000-05:00

Here are the pictures from Kara's birthday.

In all her "I'm here; see what God has made!" glory...

Daddy with his baby girl...

Getting her first bath - and loving it...

Levi's first time to "hold" baby sister...

Our first family photo (please forgive my disheveled appearance!!)...

She's Here

2011-06-03T19:46:00.002-05:00

Kara Jane Hughes arrived on June 3 at 1125 - about four weeks early. She weighed 6 pounds and 3 ounces. She measured 20.5 inches. From my water breaking at home a little after 6 am to Daddy being five hours away in Augusta, it is safe to say her arrival story is not one we will soon forget. Daddy made it to the hospital with about 45 minutes to spare to see her birth.

I'm having some trouble uploading pictures, so I will try again in a little while...

UA vs. USC

2011-05-21T20:49:00.000-05:00

Today we headed to Tuscaloosa for the baseball game - Alabama versus Carolina. Levi, Daddy, and I wore our Carolina fan-ware. Even though, we went with my Alabama-loving uncle and aunt and met one of my sisters with her Alabama-loving boyfriend and his two Alabama-loving boys. We were outnumbered, but we had so much fun. Daddy and Levi had even more fun because Carolina won!

We started the game in the sun, and that definitely didn't fade the smiles from Levi.

We moved to the shade and had even more fun - watching the game, cheering, and playing a few of our own baseball games.

Levi with his Uncle Wes and Aunt Joy.

The day before the game was Levi's last day of school. Words really cannot express how much we loved his teachers this year. They did such a wonderful job loving on and caring for Levi and all the kids in his class. We're really going to miss them this summer and next year when he ages up.

The night before the game, Levi had his first spend the night with CC and Chris. The boy had more fun than I can say - tennis, quesadilla, Wii, IHOP, park, just to name a few!! Daddy and I enjoyed our time together, too! Thank you, thank you, thank you, CC and Chris!!!

Birthday Party

2011-05-07T20:46:00.000-05:00

We had two birthday parties on this particular Saturday. I only took pictures at the morning party, but we had such fun at both! Both birthdays were for friends that we've made at our church.

The morning party was at a nearby kids' science center. Levi and Daddy found the 5 and under area that had - of course - a little putt putt course.

Pinata Party

2011-04-30T21:17:00.005-05:00

Levi was invited to a Pinata Party today. Before we went to the party, Daddy and Levi tried to fly a kite Levi got in his Easter basket. The day wasn't as windy as we thought, so the kite didn't fly too high. Levi still thought it was fun.

Then, we headed to the Pinata Party. Levi had fun riding in his first "monster truck".

After eating, he got to take his turn at the pinata.

He really enjoyed getting to swing the bat...

Easter Sunday

2011-04-24T21:13:00.001-05:00

We went to early church. Then, Levi got to see his Easter basket. I think he was the most excited about Action Chugger from Chuggington.

Then we headed to my aunt's house for lunch. While we waited for all the other guests, Levi did a little egg hunting.

Then Levi got to eat with all the boys.

Happy Easter!

The Day Before Easter

2011-04-23T20:45:00.004-05:00

Levi went to his first official Easter egg hunt. He was very excited - so excited that I couldn't get a clear picture when he started his hunting.

Once he found a few Easter eggs, he found something that had a great deal more appeal.

So this is where he stayed for the majority of the hunt.

These are "the boys" - Levi loves to spend time with these two boys. When we knew they were going to the Easter egg hunt, we had to tag along.

A picture of me and my boys.

Tonight, we dyed and decorated eggs - another first for Levi. Daddy patiently showed Levi how to put the eggs into the dye. Amazingly, we only broke one egg!

Levi and the drying eggs.

Then, we (Daddy and I) tried heat shrinking these sports related wrappers on the eggs. Not quite a complete disaster but pretty close. Levi had fun though putting stickers on a couple of the eggs.

A-Day

2011-04-17T13:26:00.003-05:00

One disclaimer before you see this post - Levi has decided (as of now) that his team is the Carolina Gamecocks. Daddy was kind enough to let me take Levi to his first A-day game anyway.

Khaki, Q, CC, Audy, Levi and I headed out this morning to the A-day game - the Auburn spring game.

Levi had a great time, but I cannot even begin to count how many times I heard, "Is it my turn?" I had told him before we headed to Auburn that he would get to play football on the field. He was rather excited and didn't want to wait through the whole game - but he did and had a blast on the field.

Before the game, here is Levi and Q.

He took a quick nap before the game started in Khaki's lap.

He made it through the game and finally got to get on the field.

Can you see the little guy in the orange shirt in the middle of this picture? That's him!!

Here he is playing - I think it is safe to say he's having a good time.

Levi's First Performance

2011-04-15T20:14:00.000-05:00

Today, Levi had his first performance at school. He was excited when he saw not only Daddy and Mama in the audience but also Khaki and Audy. They both had Spring Break for their school systems and couldn't wait to come and watch Levi perform.

I went a little camera and video clip happy - forgive me. I'm a first timer!! I'll only share a few here, though. If you want to see others, just ask. I'm more than willing to pull out my camera at any time to show off my boy. :-)

I felt bad when Levi started edging out his little friend, but he didn't make a fuss about having someone stand in front of him. Thankfully!!

His little class got to perform in two songs. He'd been singing this next song all week.

Masters

2011-04-09T20:08:00.001-05:00

Daddy took Levi to the Masters for the first time this morning. He was all decked out in his Masters gear. This is what he looked like when he came home - after a long car ride back to AL.

Some stories that Daddy shared about Levi's first Masters experience...

Daddy was brave enough to take Levi to the driving range - not the actual course. He wasn't quite sure how Levi would handle not getting to play himself. Smart move, because Levi was definitely ready to get on the driving range and continually asked when Daddy told him that he couldn't play golf, "Daddy, where are the golf guys?"

Levi entertained several other patrons at the driving range after they asked him who his favorite golfer is. He told them Phil Mickelson, and Daddy asked him about the backwards shot and what he said. The folks around them loved his impersonation.

Daddy was excited when he realized that our son was also entertaining John Smoltz and his son.

All in all a very fun first experience for Levi.

So Sweet

2011-04-07T19:47:00.002-05:00

One of my uncles from Texas came to take a trip with Kevin and Levi to see a little golf course in Augusta. He also hand delivered a handmade gift for baby girl.

My aunt handmade each of these. I just cannot get over the exquisite detail.

This one has a little tag inside that says, "Bless this child".

You may not be able to see the details on this one - flowers and little pink dots.

This blanket is so soft. And what I love even more is that she had made Levi a blanket with the same sweet rabbit - only in tans and yellows instead of pinks.

Pictures

2011-04-04T19:40:00.004-05:00

Daddy got home from a weekend with some of his friends from Augusta - some other guys who have an equal fascination with "old school" wrestling and went to Wrestlemania in Atlanta with my hubby. All that is a story that he can tell. :-)

He brought back a gift for Levi. When I pulled the pictures from my little point and shoot camera, I thought I was going to be able to show you the gift. Somehow, those pictures didn't make it. But, these did...

One that Daddy took of Levi...

One that Levi took of his daddy.

Impressive, isn't it? My boys - what can I say - other than the fact that I love 'em!?!

The Zoo

2011-03-21T19:52:00.002-05:00

Daddy took Levi to the zoo today. They had a great time.

I was surprised when Daddy said that Levi wanted to ride in the stroller, but I think Daddy was rather grateful.

Here's Levi riding a beetle.

Levi was very excited about all the other kids at the zoo. Apparently this little girl was telling him all sorts of things about the animals. Levi said, "See the parrot." She replied, "That's a macaw."

Daddy let Levi take a picture of him.

Levi loves to play drums, so this was right up his alley.

Growing Up

2011-03-20T20:00:00.001-05:00

I took a couple of pictures of Levi after church today. When I was looking through them, I couldn't get over how grown up he looks in this picture - striking a pose in his little polo and jeans.

Mama's Happy

2011-03-18T20:28:00.002-05:00

My boys got back from their Spring Break trip to see Nana and Papa this afternoon. They had a good time, but I sure am happy they are home with me - even though they both ended up getting a little sick. Augusta and allergies are not a good combination.

When they got home, Levi was so sweet giving me hugs. During dinner he decided he needed to clap and sing. This song is one that Audy taught Levi last summer. We sing it occasionally still, and he really likes it. I think he's partial to the clapping. Here's Levi's version of "Don't build your house on the sandy land..."

Rainy Saturday

2011-03-05T20:25:00.004-06:00

Today was a Mama and Levi day, because Daddy had a conference at school. Today was also a very rainy day. Levi and I still managed to have some fun - even though I wasn't brave enough to venture much farther out of our house than the porch. I kept having flashbacks to a recent rainy afternoon when I picked up Levi from school. By the time we got home, we were both soaked from head to toe. Okay, I'm exaggerating... just a little bit.

Back to today...
I wish I had taken more pictures of our day, but I'll give a quick recap. Up at 6:30 (the Tot Clock hasn't been working as well lately), breakfast, finger painting, play upstairs (football, trains, etc.), play in the garage (car, golf, soccer, tricycle), picnic on the front porch (Levi was quite excited with his peanut butter and banana sandwich), read, nap for Levi, play on the upstairs porch, more garage time, more finger painting, more upstairs time, Chuggington time while Mama cooked dinner, dinner, froggy time,

computer time,

reading time... Throw in a couple of phone calls and some laundry here and there and that about sums up our rainy Saturday.

This picture was from last Saturday when Levi was helping me make Khaki's birthday cupcakes. We had such a fun evening last Saturday celebrating her birthday, but I totally forgot to use my camera. Please forgive me for my pregnancy brain!!

Random Sayings

2011-03-02T20:41:00.003-06:00

The other night, I asked Levi if he wanted to say a prayer before he went to bed. He combined his typical "God our Father" song with the following, "We thank you for Mama, Daddy, and Phil Mickelson." On Monday night, I watched three precious children - and Daddy stayed home with Levi. Daddy reported that Phil Mickelson received top billing in the prayer that night - ahead of Mama and Daddy.

Other funny things that I wish I could capture on video that Levi says:
He will ask this question when he isn't quite sure what is going on around him: "What's happenin'?"
If he sees Mama and Daddy laughing about something, or any adult for that matter, he will usually come running up and ask, "What're you laughin' about?"

The other thing that he does that I think is just precious is when he wants to get my undivided attention, he will put his face right in front of my face and place his sweet little hand right underneath my chin.

Baseball

2011-02-16T20:23:00.002-06:00

We've been having beautiful weather here. Daddy picked up Levi from school today, and after some playtime on the playground at school, we played some more at home - some golf and some t-ball. I just had to share some of the videos of Levi playing t-ball.

Too bad he can't play on a t-ball team until he's four!

Levi also loves playing baseball - he likes to hit and to pitch. I took only two videos of him hitting - my little camera was flashing its low battery sign - and he hit both pitches this well!