Sunday, March 13, 2011

6 Month Photo Shoot

I can not believe that 6 months has already come and gone.  This was a big month for our little man.  During his sixth month James accomplished the following:

1.) James started eating solids: rice cereal, peas, green beans, sweet potatoes, and now carrots.  Alot of people told me it would take a while for him to really get the concept of eating solids...um not so much for this little fella.  It took him about three days to understand that the food needed to stay IN his mouth for him to actually enjoy it.  He LOVES to eat, but that doesn't really surprise me, he is a Smith boy and Smith boys know how to eat.  He also started drinking apple juice...yum! 

2.)  James has started the journey of learning how to crawl.  He is so close!  He started getting on his hands and knees and doing the "baby rock" as some call it.  He tries so hard to crawl everyday and he is getting so close.  My prediction is that he will be crawling by 8 months...we'll see.

3.)  James officially started teething in his 6th month.  He currently has 4 teeth, wow!  Two of his lower middle teeth are in completely.  He has one tooth on the top that is slowing making its way out and one on the bottom right that is slowly coming through.  He has been a trooper though it all.

4.)  James had his dedication service in this month.  You can check it out on our blog.

5.)  James visited the west coast.  We went back to Pasadena, California a few weeks ago.  We will blog more about that soon.

6.)  James officially started to show off his dance moves...yeah that's right, our boy has started bouncing around to certain beats of music.  I have to say that I'm not surprised...his parents know how to bust a move, ha!

I am sure there are more things that I need to add to this list, but these are the ones that are the most significant right now.

We love you baby James!  You are the best blessing we have ever received.  Getting to watch you grow each and everyday is something we cherish.  I always tell your dad that I wish I could slow down time because I don't want you to grow up to fast.  I am loving every second of your life.  My favorite moments are when you are still a little sleepy in the mornings and you fall asleep on my chest.  I could do that all day everyday.  Although I can't wait to learn your favorite color, your favorite animal, and hear you finally say mommy, I am enjoying this stage you are in right now.  You are a miracle to us.  I pray that I never take a single day for granted.  We are looking forward to month 7!




Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Dedication Sunday

This past Sunday was a very important day for our little family.  We officially vowed in front of all of our friends and family that we would raise our son to know Jesus Christ.  It was a very brief ceremony, only lasting about 10 minutes or so, but it was extremely meaningful for me.  I was telling Jerimiah on one of our walks the other day that I hold this day to the same importance as our wedding day.  I know, I know...kind of a strange thing to say, but its true.  Now don't get me wrong, I haven't been planning this event for 6 months, agonizing over invitations or what dress to wear.  Nothing like that (thank GOD!)  But verbalizing in front of God, our family, our church, and friends that we will do our very best to love him in a Godly manner and to conduct ourselves in such a way that Christ is reflected is no small task.  This responsibility is one that weighs heavy on my heart each and everyday.  To know that this innocent little boy will look to his parents to see a reflection of Christ overwhelms me.  It makes me incredibly determined to hold tight to the word of God, even more than before.  I want so much for my son to know the peace that only comes from God, to feel His presence when he is hurting, to see the miracles that He has performed all around us.  I pray every night that God would grab a hold of my little boy and would overwhelm his heart with love and joy.  I am so excited to see where God will lead my James.  He was created for a purpose and I can't wait to see what that purpose will be.

The dedication day was a fun one!  We had all kinds of family in town to celebrate this day with us.  I took almost 300 pictures on this day and I tried to figure out the best way to share some of them with out overwhelming this blog post (oops, too late).  So here is a little snap shot into our dedication Sunday.

 I have to say, James was looking pretty sharp in his little outfit.  I haven't really had to buy him many clothes since he was born thanks to all of his generous grandparents.  However, on this occasion I did some serious shopping for his outfit.  Of course, he could make anything look cute.  



We gave James his first Bible.  Hopefully he will learn to love it as much as we do.  




Nannet did an amazing job of making the dedication special for all of the families.  We all got to take a pic with Dennis after the dedication, got a certificate, a little Bible, and a DVD of the service.  We are incredibly blessed by our church and especially our preschool department.  James was loving his ride in the wagon!


We had everyone at our house after the service for a little celebration luncheon.  I'll admit, I went a little overboard with everything.  But it was just such a special day for me.  Maybe it's a mom thing, I don't know.  It may not have been that big of a deal to any one else, but it was a big deal to me.  Anything that involves my child is a big deal to me so I will probably always go a little overboard...and I'm ok with that. 

Here are a few pics of the spread.  I have to thank Jer and my parents for working really hard to help me pull this all off.  I couldn't have done it with out their help!  Thanks team! 



The Menu:

Sandwich Trio: 
Grilled Ham and Cheese (we used gouda cheese and it was so good)
Egg Salad Sandwiches
Chicken Salad Croissant Sandwiches (Thanks Edie)
Soups: 
Chicken Noodle
Tomato Basil

Salad Greens

Fruit and Dip
Cheese and Crackers

Dessert:
Snickers Cupcakes (thanks Linds!)
Yellow Cupcakes with Chocolate Frosting
Cupcake Cake Balls

Lots of great family.  We are very blessed to have this many people who love us and our little boy.



My boy James.



We had a little station set up for our family to write prayers and wisdom to James.  This was very special for me.  I read through some of these prayers last night and just cried my eyes out. 


Overall, it was an amazing day.  I will never forget it.