Been a while...

So - obviously I did not post anything while I was back east in New Jersey. But not that we're home... I'll get all the pictures uploaded on my computer and get working on it.

We had a good time - some rough spots - but overall - fun time!

Here's a good picture my sister got of me and my main man!

Growing each day

Picking up the basic needs at the store last night - LJ and I decided to try on the different hats at Walmart - ya know - that one size fits all.... I don't think LJ was very excited about them! An evening of splishing and splashing... and loving being wrapped up afterwards... Last picture before I put a few videos up - LJ wanted to be a little cuddlebug last night and woke up every time I tried to lay him down. So instead of fighting with him - I caved in and just laid him in bed with me - yeah - he stayed asleep the whole night - right beside me. Each time I tried to move away from the little heater box - he would wiggle his way back over to me. By morning - he had taken my spot! The little turkey. And he had nothing but smiles about it all! LJ has been getting closer to actually crawling - but most of the time he'll either push himself backwards, or put his head down - stick his butt up - and push off his feet to go a little forward. Especially when you put his toys just out of reach!
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Life's little helpers

Last week was a wonderful break of stress as my dad was able to stay for 8 days and watch LJ throughout the day - and we'd end most of our days by taking a walk and playing some frisbee. My dad was also able to occupy LJ while I got some homework done which allowed me to spend Saturday and Sunday playing with my little man (still doing homework while he took his naps, though) - instead of having to take LJ somewhere else.




It was a really awesome break and my dad and I were able to spend some time together as well. I'm really blessed to have such wonderful parents that are so willing to help with just about anything.

And more blessings come from those friends that surround me. Since Hollie is on vacation to Vegas (YEAH - hope they're having a good time) Becky is able to watch LJ during the day. Can I first just say AMAZING! Her little man just turned 1 year old - and she's still willing and able to watch my little guy - 4 1/2 months old. When I went to pick him up yesterday - here's what I found....







LJ must've had a funfilled day - because he fell asleep early last night - hardly woke up at his normal time of 5AM to eat (which is right when I get up for work anyway - I love our schedule most days!) - and then he was right back asleep until I had to put him in his car seat.






I'm so thankful for all the little blessings that I have received in my life over the last year. It definately has not been an easy year - but it has completely been a learning one. A year full of patience, endurance, spiritual growth, understanding, service, tears, and joy. And even though I struggle each day, I get myself out of bed and put on every shield possible to make it through each step of each day.

So thank you to all who help me out - even if it's just a smile as you pass. I'm grateful for all that you do and that Heavenly Father has blessed my life with you.

Grandpa Time!!!

When I started talking to LJ about Grandpa coming down for drill and staying the whole week for my Annual Training - he was more than just a little excited...




But have no fear - this little guy gets tuckered out from all his activity. I'm sure he misses his day filled with Caleb and Hollie... And I'm so thankful for having such a wonderful little boy that loves his sleep just as much as I do!




On last friday afternoon/evening before my dad arrived at my house, LJ and I were just cuddling on the bed and before I knew it - here's what I saw... He's going through a growth spurt and sleeping and eating so much more... :)




Time with grandpa! First off, this is one of the outfits that grandma bought for LJ just because she liked what it said...




Can you tell that LJ loves his grandpa?






And here's just a little funny face picture that I just couldn't help myself but posting...




I know there's not a whole lot of new information in this blog - but let's just face it - not much new goes on in my life - and it's really all about this little guy. He's now 4 months old and enjoying his new found abilities - aka - his voice :)

Vacation Weekend!!!

For the weekend to celebrate Memorial Day, LJ and I were able to go home to Cambridge and spend some time with family. At the mere mention of going to Grandma's house... someone was a little giggly...




What a funny kid.

As soon as we arrived, little Miss Owynn (getting to be a 'big girl') decided that she was going to take care of LJ for a while...




Too bad that it only lasted for about 10 minutes and then LJ wasn't having it anymore!


Now for the REALLY exciting little tid bit.... For the first time, 4 generations of John Piper were together since the passing of the first John Piper (my great grandpa) - sure miss that wonderful man! Anyway - here is John Gilbert Piper (#2), Johnny Lynn Piper (#3), John Carl Piper (#4), and Jonathan Brian Piper (#5). As soon as I found out I was having a boy, there was no doubt that I wanted my son to carry on such an amazing tradition - and he has quite the name to live up to. Guess my work is cut out to make sure I do my best to raise him as I should.







~On a funny little note~ if you've ever looked at LJ straight on - you'll see that he has his great grandpa's ears.... :) I honestly hadn't noticed until this weekend. It was so awesome!!!

Following the very delicious and family favorite - Uncle Jerry's Ribs - this is also a common scene... Full bellied sleepy men! Gotta love it! Like father like son... Aren't they cute!



And since a litte someone didn't want to miss out on ANY of the action by taking a normal nap... he ended up falling asleep sitting on my lap while we were playing cards. He's such a little funny dude.




Leaving on Monday... After a long weekend of counsins (for LJ) and frisbee golf (grandpa), these two were exhausted following a delicious BBQ Chicken and fresh salad lunch (well... for grandpa, LJ had his cereal and milk) and while I was packing up the remainder of our things and taken them out to the Jeep - this is what I came back inside to find...



Needless to say, both were more than just a little tired. Grandpa didn't wake up until AFTER I had picked up LJ from his lap... :) And what a little trooper, LJ slept the whole way back to Boise! Gotta love him! He's such a good little guy!

Sunday behavior and Cereal!

What is it about Sunday's that bring on the napping behavior? LJ has all ready gotten his Sunday schedule pretty well down. Here he is when it was time to leave for church...



And here he is after having lunch!



Thankfully he slept for a remarkable 3 1/2 hours and I was able to get a bunch of homework done - even though I REALLY wanted to take a nap myself. Responsibility - isn't it awesome!

For Sunday dinner, we joined the Gomez family for some ham and funeral potatoes (I think Becky has realized that they are my favorite!) and while Placido was off to a meeting, Becky and I decided to feed LJ some cereal and see how he liked it. (Seeing how this little chunker all ready drinks plenty of milk...)






He didn't eat very much - but every little bit helps to fill his tummy! Yeah for growing older!!!

Getting more independent & Placido entertainment!

This morning a little someone wanted to be quite demanding as I was trying to get ready for work. Like his food was really going to run off somewhere. But seeing how I didn't want to be late for work, he actually held his bottle in place for quite a while this morning!!! I know it was likely a fluke, but hey - every little bit of learning helps!



The Gomez family invited us over for dinner last night - and it was delicious!!! Thank you Becky - they really were great and loved them for lunch as well. My co-workers were jealous - I let them try a bit! Anyway - after dinner - Placido tried out his Father's Day present - Wii FIT!!! Take a peak!