Big Guy

We are currently headed to Birmingham for Haley's bridal luncheon and to eat dinner with the Jordan's so I had a little time to post some pictures and stories. Luke is getting so big and has so much personality. We are enjoying the heck out of him.

We had Luke's 9 month well appointment this week and when the nurse stuck his finger to draw blood he did not flinch. Not a single tear or whimper...big guy!


He is such a trooper in the car. Which is a huge blessing considering we have done some serious traveling this summer. In his 9 months of life I only remember one time driving and him crying. Such a pleasant little man.



I took this picture yesterday at the Piggly Wiggly. He looks so big in this picture. Can I get a pause button to slow this little life down?

Monday I had CPE training in Montgomery so I left my guys in Troy for the day with a grocery list; one item being sour cream. (I should note here that Derek hates it and I eat it nearly everyday). In the middle of an 8 hour lecture on Compilations and Reviews I received an email from Derek that read, "it took us 10 minutes but we found your stinky sour cream."



Goodness, I am blessed to have these two in my life!

9 Months

I don't think people believe me when I tell them Luke cries…here is your proof. It definitely does not happen often but he does get upset sometimes. This morning I was ready to take his picture and he was playing with a toy. This is what happened when I took it away...tough life, right?


At 9 months:

• Weight: 21 lbs 9 ozs (75th percentile)

• Height: 28.75 inches (75th percentile)

• Size 4 diaper

• Crawling and cruising all over the house.

• Giggles all of the time.

• LOVES his daddy

• Babbles all day long. Wish I knew what he was trying to say

• Eats 3 meals a day.

• New solids introduced this month: pineapples, ritz crackers, captains wafers crackers, black beans and bread.

• Favorite Toys: Playskool Busy Gears, Stacking Cups, Fisher Price Brilliant Baby Blocks.

• Favorite Book: I Love You Through and Through (or maybe this is mine ;)

• Favorite Song: Itsy Bitsy Spider

Dear Sippy Cup

We are having trouble getting Luke transitioned to the sippy cup.  I started trying about 3 months ago and each time I hand it to him he plays with it as if it is a toy.  I've read all of the tips and tricks on the internet and tried several different brands of sippy cups...he still doesn't get it.  I guess we will just keep trying and if you see him in three years drinking out of a bottle you will know why ;)

What do you think?

We often hear that Luke looks "just like" his daddy.  Sometimes strangers will come up to us in restaurants to point this out.  I blogged before about Luke's 8 month pictures and how all of the males on Derek's mom's side of the family have had their picture made in the same outfit for 65ish years.  The sweet photographer, Janan, who took Luke's 8 month pictures sent me this:

What do you think?  Just alike? Next to come is a side-by-side of Luke and I at 9 months.

I failed to mention...

that I got my hair cut 5 inches! Posting the previous picture without reference to my hair cut allowed me to realize that more than just the grandparents read our blog...we are humbled ;)

Is there anything better?

Oh the joy that fills my soul when I watch this...

Why I love my husband.

Three years ago Derek and I stood at the altar at First Baptist Church of Tuscaloosa before the God of all creation and vowed "until death do us part."  When we were engaged we were told numerous times that the first year of marriage would be tough.  Our first year of marriage was absolute bliss.  I remember us constantly saying, "if this is 'tough,' we've got it made."  I definitely don't want to make it out like we haven't had any bumps in the road, however, I am certain that I am incredibly blessed  to be married to Derek Irons. 

Happily married for three years!

I love him with everything that is in me and here are just a couple reasons why:

1. He loves the Lord our God with all of his heart, soul and mind.
2. He is selfless
3. He is strong (as in he isn't shaken)
4. He is generous
5. He is patient
6. He is compassionate
7. He is an excellent husband, father, son, coach, and teacher
8. He is a prayer warrior
9. He is witty and makes me laugh
10. He is self-controlled
11. He makes me a better person
12. He prays with me
13. He encourages me
14 He is careful with his words
15. He is committed

Yesterday morning Derek told me to pack a bag for me and eighteen one for Luke and to be ready to leave at 5 pm.  He was taking me on a surprise getaway and the little man wasn't coming with us.  I did just as I was told.  After dropping Luke off at the Yarbrough's house for the night, Derek and I headed to Enterprise to eat at the Mellow Mushroom (which just happens to be my favorite restaurant when there is no regard to calories).  I have to admit I was a little skeptical that we were in Enterprise, Alabama and my overnight bag was packed.  I kept thinking there must be something here that I'm unaware of.  We left Mellow Mushroom and stopped for some ice cream and then headed out towards the country.  After about 20 minutes of driving we pulled up to this:

This is our friends cabin and it is a beautiful, peaceful, and wonderful place.  We enjoyed the quiet and spent the morning on the front porch swing, coffee and muffins in hand, rejoicing in the Lord and how he continues to teach us to be better for Him.  I am completely overwhelmed by His goodness.  Thank you to the Sutton's, Yarbrough's, and my wonderful husband for this relaxing getaway.

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness!

Come into his presence with singing! Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.   -Psalm 100

IPhone inspired post

I was looking through the pictures on my IPhone this morning and came across a few I wanted to share:

Luke spent most of his time at the beach either in his swimming trunks or diaper.  It was just so darn hot and he was just too darn cute:

Last Saturday Derek, his brothers, and Drew Clayton played golf in Birmingham so Luke and I wasted the time shopping at the Summit.  It was more just "looking" but Luke spent a lot of time in his stroller getting attention.  It apparently wore him out:

Tuesday I took Luke with me to vote and the sweet little man handing out stickers had two ready for me as we were leaving.  Derek called him our little patriot.  He wore it about an hour until he noticed it and then he tried to eat it. 

Wedding Shower Fun

Friday night we headed to Trussville for a wedding shower for the soon-to-be Mr. and Mrs. Daryl Irons.  It was a tool and gadget shower given by Haley's bridesmaids.  When we arrived, Haley grabbed Luke out of excitement and unfortunately, Luke was leaking poo out of his diaper.  Yep folks, that's right, my son pooped on the bride at a wedding shower.  Thankfully, Haley had a great attitude about it and Grana was prepared with a tide pen and hair dryer.  Oh lawd, I was a nervous wreck.  We have instructed Haley she is not to hold him on her wedding day.  After the eventful beginning to the shower we had tons of fun hanging out with Daryl and Haley's friends. 

The bride and groom (I don't think Daryl had a countdown hence the face)

Deron and Molly

Derek and I

Luke was excited by all of the wrapping paper. And sporting his emergency onsie since he pooped all over his cute outfit ;)

We can't wait until August 7th so that Haley's title of 'Aunt' will be official!

Making Messes

Luke is going through a phase where he likes to take everything out of fill-in-the-blank.



Whether it is clothes out of drawers:




Or toys out of the toy bin:




Or books out of the basket:




It can entertain him for an hour. Unfortunately he isn't into putting them all back :)