Oliver is 6 months!

Dear Oliver,

I will start this letter the same way I've started others…how are you already 6 months old?  That's halfway to a whole year.  Your mama and daddy can't believe it.  The past month was a big one for you.  Lots of growth and changes!  It is so fun to watch and experience you becoming a big boy.

I must've been a bit off on your 5 month stats because here you go:

28 in (95th percentile)

18 lb 6 oz (69th percentile)

Long and Lean!

You have started to fuss when things you like are taken away.  It's kind of cute now, but I know it *might* lose its cuteness when you're a toddler…we'll see.  And you started rolling over from back to tummy!  Daddy and I both got to witness it the very first time.  So neat!

 

 Shortly after you figured out how to roll, you figured out how to get to something you want.  It takes you some time and some grunts, but you make it happen.  You're getting stronger each day and that makes us think you'll be crawling soon!

Changing your diaper and clothes could be an Olympic event.  You just have so many things to see and do and grab that it's hard for you to stay still for us!  Sometimes, Daddy has to hold your hands down while I take care of your business.  Ha!  (That also helps to keep your hands out of your poop.)

You seem to REALLY be trying to communicate.  You "babababa" all the time and we just KNOW you're telling us all about it.  And we think you're trying to say "Mama."  Of course it's more like "mamamama,"  but I'll take it.  

You love when Daddy plays the guitar and anytime music comes on TV, you stop and look.  It is precious.  You've met more babies and even had a play date with a sweet girl named Jane.  Y'all are both road babies!  The Bumbo is no challenge for you.  You escaped it twice and face planted on the floor.  It just startled you…no cries! We've tried it again since The Tumbles and you don't seem as eager to get out.

For some reason, you like to put your hands in my mouth.  I've stopped trying to fight it.  I think it's pretty cute.  You also still chew on my chin. (I know it's kisses.)  Sometimes, you like to cover your face with blankets and it worries me.  It's like you like the rush or something.  Eeek!  You've started clicking your tongue and you're quite proud of it.  That, too, is adorable.

You're officially unswaddled.  It was tough at first, but now you're a pro.  We started sleep training you, even though I didn't want to.  (You gave us no choice, little stinker.)  But, you're doing amazingly well; we're all getting more sleep!  And you sleep on your tummy now.  I put you down on your back and you roll over immediately.  Sometimes you hike up your leg and sometimes your little booty is up in the air.  Such a big boy!

Your laugh is hilarious.  I don't know how to describe it, but it's kind of throaty and gaspy.  Maybe even donkey-ish? Does that make any sense?  And sometimes you'll laugh at just the right moment when you catch a glimpse of a show on TV.  I know it's just coincidence, but maybe you'll have comedic timing. We'll see...

Occasionally while you're nursing, you take a break and lean backwards.  So funny.  One of your bottom teeth is starting to come in!  Good job, buddy.  You've worked so hard for that thing!

We are more than in love with you.  You are an absolute blessing and we thank God for you every day. We look forward to each milestone you come to with mixed emotions.  One day, you'll understand why.  Until then, know you are adored! 

We love you, Oliver Tuck!

Throwback Thursday: Father's Day Edition

A Father's Day Throwback Thursday.  A letter to my husband.

Exactly 25 weeks ago, you became a dad and you are a natural.  While we were dating and early in our marriage, I thought about what kind of dad you'd be.  I knew you'd be wonderful, but you, my love, have surpassed my wildest dreams. 

From day 1, you were present.  Not just in the room, but really there.  During those exhausting newborn days, you would get up with me for every feeding.  You'd help change diapers, get me the boppy, rub my back, wipe my tears.  You'd say, "I wish I could feed him for you."  And I'd try to tell you to go to sleep so at least one of us was rested.  You didn't listen to me.

And now during the today times of figuring out sleep training and when do we give solids and does he have an earache and is that a tooth, you are that strong, reassuring voice that I need.  You keep me calm and in check.  Your patience with our son (and me) is remarkable and the way you work so hard for us is appreciated more than you can possibly know.  

You've always spoiled me, but with the arrival of Oliver, you've somehow kicked it up a notch.  I did not think that was possible.  You make our meals and you make them well.  Then you insist I rest while you do the dishes.  (Clearly, I win.)

I cannot imagine how other moms do it.  Take care of cleaning, kids, meals, groceries, etc.  I feel so inadequate sometimes.  But there you are and there you will always be…telling me that I'm doing an amazing job.  That I am a wonderful mother.

You have grabbed ahold of fatherhood with every ounce of you and it is a beautiful thing to see.  The way you look at Oliver and the way you love him makes my heart smile a million smiles.  He is your little buddy and I can't wait to see the relationship grow.

I can rest assured knowing my son will grow up and know how to treat his wife, he will know how to treat others, and he will know the Lord.  It is a joy to have you lead this family and lead our little boy.  

Oliver is blessed to have you as a daddy and I'm blessed to call you my husband.  He will become the best of men because he will have you to look up to.  (And he'll know how to cook!)

You love fiercely, you give freely, and you are so fun.  Mister Man is the luckiest boy in the world!

Happy Father's Day!  You are amazing and we love you so very much!

Link up to The Mom Creative!

Throwback Thursday Stories: Week 8

We shall call this "The Big Move."

January 2011// Moving to Nashville

Stuck in traffic, to be exact.

My word.  Somehow this seems like yesterday and somehow it seems like a lifetime ago.  

After much prayer, we decided to move from TX to Nashville in 2011.  When we told my dad, his relieved response was, "Whew.  I thought you were going to say you were pregnant."  (Actually, instead of whew, I think it was sh**.)  My mom's response, through tears, was, "I wish you would've said you were pregnant."

We loaded up a U-Haul and left to follow our dreams and we haven't looked back.  The drive there (or here, I should say) took longer than expected.  The normally 12 hour drive took two days due to snow and ice and we almost ran out of gas while stuck in traffic, miles from a gas station.

It's been 3 1/2 years and we are still in the same apartment.  An apartment where many songs have been written, memories made, and a baby brought into it.  We love this town.  We love our home.  

Link up to The Mom Creative!

Texas and Arkansas, Part II

Our time on the road in May continues…

With Grammie!  Yay =)

Our friends in San Antonio, Ariel and Taddy, put together a Neighborhood Block Party and went door to door inviting people to come out for music and hotdogs!  It wasn't labeled as a "church" event, so others who aren't believers felt welcome.  It was a fun night!

They had a little boy, Bastian, in November so he and Oliver met!

We left right after and drove back to Salado.  We had the next day off, which was great.  Then hit I-35 again on Friday to go to Dallas.  Figuring out the best time to leave so you miss Dallas traffic is always interesting.  We left with plenty of time and didn't get into any traffic!  Hallelujah.

We got unloaded at The Opening Bell and then Mister Man needed to eat.  And sleep.

It was so nice to have Grammie with us!  And Oliver was enjoying the couple that played before us.  He ended up having one of those meltdowns and Trent had to start without me so I could try to calm him.  Wanna know what worked?   

Grammie sat right up front by us and he fell asleep.  Whew!

It was a great night!  Some of my family came and some old friends from high school, too.  

This is my girl, Kristie and this picture is my favorite of all time.  

One of my bestests came out to see us as well.  Then we got to hang out with them and their little man, Max.  We loved our time with them!  (I wish we lived closer.)

I keep cracking up at this picture.  We feel like Max is telling a scary story and Oliver is scared ;-)  

We're going to try our hardest to keep these little fellas in contact.

We left Dallas, stopped in Salado, changed, ate, and continued on to Austin for a home show with our dear friends.  Oliver wasn't getting any attention at all...

We love to do home concerts, if they're done right.  And the Roughtons do them well.

We love them so.  We hadn't seen them in over a year and we can always pick up right where we left off.  

We had a week off and enjoyed time with my family.  Then it was time to head to Nashville.  We stopped in Van Buren, AR for some shows.  We got checked in and let Oliver stretch out. 

We think he might start to crawl soon!!!  

Sometimes, you just have to let them sleep with you.

Sunday morning, we played at Cliff Terrace.  I took this picture because it finally happened.  That moment when you wear the clothes you wore in the photo on your record.  Oh well!  It was inevitable, really.

We played here last year on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend, too.   And the pastor already asked us for next year!  I'm guessing it's becoming a tradition.

Oliver was so proud when he helped with merch...

That night we played at Cedarville First AOG.  It was our first time there and we had a blast!  All shows are enjoyable, but this one was great.  We look forward to going back!

For Memorial Day, we played at our friends' BBQ.  Steve and Heather are gracious hosts and it was fun to play at their home.

And now we're home.  Working like busy bees on booking and writing and trying to get our little man to sleep better.  

All are easier said than done.