A Busy Little Boy...

So, it's been a while since the last post! I bet you're wondering what Mason has been up to these past few weeks. Well, his 2 front teeth have been making their way in. Tonight it looks like he is working on a 5th tooth as well (the tooth next to his Rt. front tooth). His biggest accomplishment since last post is WALKING! Yes, we have a WALKER now! He is so flippin' cute while walking...so proud of himself.

Mason had his 1 year Dr's visit on July 15th. He weighed in at 21# 15oz. He received his 4 shots (ouch! but, nothing a little ice cream afterwards didn't fix!) and the Dr. gave us the green light on switching from formula to whole milk. Since that appt. we have been back to see the Dr. twice (yes, that is 3 times this month). We had to go see the Dr. because of Cat Scratch Disease (yes, Cat Scratch Fever is real, not just a Ted Nuggent song) and then the following week he developed a fever and unrelated virus. He is due to finish up his round of Augmentin for the Cat Scratch Disease this week.

The week following his 1st birthday we decided we would start weaning a bottle at a time. Not that we are in a hurry for him to grow up, we just don't want to be sending him off to school with a bottle someday! Since then we have successfully weaned him from his 3 day bottles, so now his is just down to his 1 evening bottle.

Other than that, we have just been enjoying the summer...ballgames, swimming pools, etc. Mason continues to go to daycare 2-3 times a week and does wonderful there. Our daycare provider is nothing short of a "God-Thing". She is a stay at home mother of 4, good Christian woman and simply fabulous. She and her family love Mason, and we love them!

Please keep up the prayers for the waiting EN children and families. A few more kiddos have made their way home, but many are still waiting. I would also like to take this time to mention another prayer request. My sis-in-law (my hubby's youngest sister) is expecting twins...a girl (McKinley) and a boy (Grant)! Today marks her 26 week mark and she has been on bed rest the past few weeks due to complications. We are praying for the health and safety of mother and babies. She has started a blog, if you would like to follow along in their story. http://www.mckinleygrant.blogspot.com/ .

To my blogger pals...I still check your blogs every few weeks, but rarely take the time to comment anymore. Please keep bloggin'...I look forward to your updates and pictures. And, for those that still comment on our blog....THANKS! We love reading your comments.

Father and Son
Taking a break during a softball tourney.
In Mason's world, all things are a source of joy.

Humm...Notice any encouragement from Daddy?

Me and My Dad...

Silly boy with a bowl on his head.

Playing.

Daddy clipping nails while Mason is sleeping.

Handsome Boy.

Mommy's attempt to get a "walking" picture.

Mason loves to be read to.

Mason, blame the mismatched PJ's on your father.

Isn't he just precious?!

The realm of God has no limits or bounds whatsoever.

More Firsts....

Since our last post, Mason has celebrated his 1st 4th of July, 1st Birthday and 1st hair cut! We hope you have a little time, because there are lots of pictures to see!

Mason celebrated his 1st birthday on July 5th, we held his birthday celebration on July 6th. As his 1st birthday was approaching, I found myself filled with many thoughts and emotions. I even took the time to write them down, thinking I would share my thoughts at his birthday party. I didn't end up sharing that day because I am not much for public speaking, I didn't want to cry and things were just super crazy! Crazy...but fun! On Sunday our family ate lunch together at a local Mexican/Guatemalan restaurant, then gathered at our house for presents, cake and ice cream.

However, since this blog is for scrapbooking purposes (as well as keeping family and friends updated) I will share the "speech" I was going to deliver. (So, for those of you that were there...this is what I spared you from hearing!)

I don't think it's the "norm" for a 1st birthday party to involve a "speech". However, I have had so many thoughts in the last few days that I felt it best just to get them out and share them with close friends and family. Also, if I pull a stunt like this in 10 years, Mason will be absolutely horrified! While I am emotional about our baby boy turning 1, I am even more emotional about the fact that he is HOME with his FAMILY to celebrate this day.

A year ago on July 5th Cristian Alexander, now known as Mason, was born in Mazatenango, Guatemala. A year ago on July 7th we received the call that would forever change our family. A call asking us to share our lives with this tiny little 5# baby boy. A baby we knew so little about, but knew in a big way that God had brought into our lives with purpose. We hoped and prayed that Mason would be home in time to celebrate his 1st birthday at home with us. We don't feel this is just another ordinary 1st birthday party...it's truly an answered prayer.

Mason is still on the move...Daddy often refers to him as "Captain Active"! He is still walking around furniture or pushing toys to walk around the house. His front, right tooth is making its way in...slowly but surely. Not much in the way of any new words...at least not English...lots of jibber jabber though! Oh, and his latest stunt...STAIRS! He can be up 3 or 4 stairs in no time at all...it's getting back down them that is the problem. :)

Happy 1st birthday...a trike!

Mason's own lil' bday cake
Diggin' In

The end result...

First Hair Cut on 07/10/2008

1 Year Portraits

Ready for 4th of July fireworks!

Papa helping Mommy with bday cupcakes

Daddy, Mason and Mommy

Yummy!

I think he found his sweet tooth!

Checkin' out this summer's hottest swimwear!

Peek-A-Boo!

Fireworks celebration on July 3rd