Gina Weekend 2009 - Reynolds Plantation, Georgia

This past weekend Liam and I traveled down to Reynolds Plantation on Lake Oconee in Georgia for the 3rd Annual Gina Weekend. The "Ginas" are a group of girls that I have been friends with since college. For the past few years we have planned a reunion weekend since we are scattered all over the east coast and aren't able to get together as often as we would like.

This year Cam graciously offered to host us at the Reynold's family home on Lake Oconee and we were truly living in the lap of luxury, if only for a few days. We had a great wekeend staying up late and sleeping in (even Liam slept in one morning), laying by the pool, diving off the diving board, and jumping in the lake. Although Liam is not a Gina he is still nursing and so he got to tag along for the fun. He had a great time playing in the baby pool and getting lots of loves from all of the Ginas.

Thanks ladies for loving on my little guy and letting him tag along. I hope he comes to know and love each of you as much as I do!

The Reynold's beautiful lake home.

Baby Whit taking a nap poolside.

Liam and baby Whit playing in the pool!

PS: Check out Kristen's blog for more pics of the weekend. There is even one of me doing a flip off the diving board!!

Hurricane Warkentien

Two weeks ago, Hurricane Warkentien blew into Portsmouth and it was a category 4! Although it was only here for a couple of days it sure did do a lot of damage but the clean-up was well worth the fun we had while it was in town.

The Warkentien's (Tyler, Shelby, Jackson (3), & Kate (10 mo.)) are some of our good friends who now live in San Diego. They are spending the summer in DC while Tyler is doing tropical medicine training at Bethesda and they decided to venture back to Portsmouth for the weekend to visit us and hang out with some other friends. It was quite a whirlwind of a weekend for them trying to make the rounds and visit all of their old friends in just 2 short days, all the while trying to make sure the kiddos didn't get to far off their routines.

On Saturday, we had a cookout at our house and our friends Bethanne and Danny and their 2 girls Eliana and Emily joined in on the fun. On Sunday after church a big group of us had lunch at the Olive Garden and then the Warkentien's got back on the road for DC. It was so nice having them stay with us and although it definitely made for a full house we wouldn't have changed a thing because we got a lot of quality time with some great friends we haven't seen in a long while.

Shelby & I with our new babies! We were pregnant with these little ones at the same time.

Kate(10 mo.), Jackson(3), Liam(8 mo.), Eliana(1.5), Emily(6 mo.)

"She's pretty cute..."

"but I'm not a big fan of the bow!"
(Kate held her own in this battle, she was after Liam's paci!)

Don't Mess with Texas

We "don't mess with Texas" in our house...we EAT it!!

For the past couple of months I have been making most of Liam's baby food and I have really been having a good time with it. I love it because I can buy organic or local veggies and fruit and then mix and match it to make whatever I want. I have made peas (pictured above), green beans, sweet potatoes, squash, carrots, apples, pears, and a couple of other things. I make a large batch of my chosen veggie or fruit and then freeze it, that is where Texas comes in. The only ice cube tray that we have makes ice in the shape of the great State of Texas. I thought in the beginning that this might be a big hassle but it really is well worth the time and effort.

If you are thinking about making your own baby food check out this website, it really has a lot of great information.

Liam's Story

I saw a compilation of posts like this on another blog that I frequent and I really liked that it kept all of the posts together and told a story. So here is Liam's Story...

As you may already know, our son Liam is truly a miracle. You have come to the right place if you want to read all the posts about Liam's amazing story! The posts are in reverse chronological order, starting with Liam coming home from the hospital and going back to the time in my pregnancy when his congenital heart defect was first diagnosed. To read them from the beginning, scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on "older posts" until you get to the first one, and then read from older to newer.

We ask for your continued prayers for us and especially for Liam, as we journey along the path God has for us.

Hand Me Downs

Liam has acquired a lot of great hand me downs but few are as special as this little outfit. This outfit belonged to my baby brother, Alex. Although I still refer to him as my "baby" brother or "little" brother, he is neither a baby or little but to me he will always be. Alex is growing into quite a young man. After two years at Hampden Sydney he will transferring to Carolina in the fall and will be a junior. I am so proud of the man that he becoming and I am so excited for all of the amazing things that his future holds. Alex is a loving son, brother, uncle, and friend. He is a man of character and wit, love and a kind heart. He is growing every day into the man that God wants him to be and I am blessed enough to walk on that journey with him.

So Liam wears this outfit with honor and is so lucky to have such an amazing Uncle Alex. I love you Boog!

You Never Let Go

When clouds brought rain and disaster came

Oh my soul, oh my soul

When waters rose and hope had flown

Oh my soul, oh my soul

Ever faithful, ever true

You, I know, you never let go

In joy and pain, in sun and rain

You're the same, oh, you never let go

This day a year ago changed us forever. It was a year ago today when we first learned that something was wrong with Liam's heart and it was also the day that we learned that God would never let go. On that day we were rocked in a way that I can not explain, a way that you can only understand if you've been there.


A few weeks after finding out, I asked for your prayers on our blog. Here is a clip from what I posted:

Right now we are still trying to come to terms with what this means but know that God has a plan and has chosen us to be this little guys parents for a very special reason. What this all means for us is that nothing about delivering this little guy or his first few months of life are going to be normal.

Liam was still unnamed and unborn, he was perfect and he was broken all at the same time. I had a strip full of ultrasound pictures clutched tightly in my hand, we had just found out our baby was a boy; we were thrilled and we were scared, we were ecstatic and we were heartbroken. The doctors were telling us that something was wrong with his heart, they were drawing us pictures and asking us questions and trying to explain things. In all honesty, a lot of that day is a blur but one of the things I do remember is that as Rolf and I drove home from the hospital that morning, each in our own cars, we heard the same song on the radio. It was "You Never Let Go" by David Crowder Band and the lyrics are above. I knew in that moment that God was there with me, it was as if I could literally feel his arms holding me and I knew he was speaking to me. It is those words that have carried me through this last year and I know they will continue to carry us along this journey.

God never let go when we were told that our sweet baby boy would be born with a rare congenital heart defect. And he was there as we were going through additional tests, and searching for a hospital. God never let go as we were waiting in Philadelphia and preparing for the birth. He never let go all through delivery where Liam's heart stayed strong and then when Liam was born and he was big and strong and ready to fight. And he was there during the surgery, he was with the doctors as they operated on Liam's small heart and there when Liam came out of surgery already off the ventilator. And when we brought Liam home from the hospital and each and every day since.

God has never let go and we have made it through our darkest moments, through hours and days when we thought we might lose him or maybe never even meet him. And though we don't know how many more dark moments may lie ahead for our sweet baby boy, we do know that we are celebrating this one year anniversary knowing that God will never let go.

Just like one year ago today, when I relished every single kick and flutter I would feel from Liam moving inside of me, knowing my baby was alive and safe, cherishing each special moment I was able to spend with him, so it is today, a year later. We savor each new day we are allowed to spend here on earth with our precious little miracle, our strong-willed warrior, our sweet baby boy, Liam! Am I scared of what our future holds? Most definitely. Do I wish that we were on a different path, that this wasn't our reality? No doubt about it. Do I have faith and hope that God has a plan far bigger than us? Absolutely!

Teethies!

Check out those 2 new pearly whites!

Our Staycation Vacation

Last week my sister Gabi and my nephew Ian came to visit us for a few days. They were on vacation, so Liam and I went on a staycation and had a great time hanging out and going on lots of fun mini trips around our area. Liam absolutely loved playing with Ian and Ian had a great time with Liam as long as HIS mommy wasn't holding him.

Adventures at the Children's Museum of Virginia

Ian riding on the Police motorcycle

Ian driving the fire truck

Celebrating the 4th of July

Liam chilling in his stroller at Harborfest in downtown Norfolk on the 4th of July!

Rainy Day at the Virginia Aquarium

Liam loved looking in the tanks and had a fun time exploring the aquarium with his daddy.

Fun Times at Water Country USA

Liam and Ian playing in the pool!

Liam loved playing in the pool with mommy!

Trying to keep cool!

Ian playing in the waterfall

On the Move

Just this week Liam has realized that there is a world beyond his blanket or play mat where I set him. Up until just a few days ago he was still not a fan of tummy time and would immediately roll back over as soon as I put him down. Well now he purposefully rolls over to his tummy and the he just keeps right on rolling until he gets where he wants to go.

Check him out! As you can tell, he is going to be doing a lot more than rolling pretty soon.

Let's Do Lunch

A couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure of hanging out for the afternoon with two of my favorite "Ginas" - Kristen and Julie. It was very last minute but it worked out perfectly that Jules was in Chapel Hill for the weekend and I was on my way down to my parent's house in North Carolina. We were all able to rendevous at Kristen's house in Durham for lunch and to celebrate Julie's birthday. The boys were able to nap and play and we were able to hang out and catch up. It had been almost a year since we had all been together so we had lots to talk about.

Here are a couple of pictures from the day:

"Happy Birthday, Aunt Julie! It was so great to meet you!"

"Oh the things I can teach you my little friend!"

"Wait Mom, I thought I was the baby?"

Don't let the picture fool you these two little cuties are double trouble!



"Man, good thing I get to be the big brother!"

Thanks for an awesome afternoon ladies! I really hope we can do it again soon!

Tummy Tub

Check out Liam in his Tummy Tub

My mom and I both saw this on the news in the same week and she surprised me by getting Liam one. I know it is pretty crazy looking but Liam loves it. It keeps him warm all over since the water goes up to his shoulders. It is actually pretty economical too because it uses hardly any water. Rolf upon first glance said, "I could have just bought him a bucket at Lowe's." I think he was just mad he didn't come up with such a good idea!

Lending a Helping Hand

"Mom, if you could just help me open this bag I could eat one of these chips with my gaucamole."

Liam is such a sweet boy he is always trying to help out. He especially likes helping me unload the groceries because there is always something new and exciting for him to get into. I worry sometimes that he doesn't have enough toys but he can be so easily entertained by just a simple plastic cup or a coozy or a plastic hanger why spend the money? Does that make me a bad mom? I hope not!!

Silly Boy....

or should I say silly mommy!

I just hate getting food on his clothes even with a bib on this kid is one messy eater. He eats at least one meal a day in just a diaper. Even messy I still thing he is pretty cute!

A Green Thumb

I finally have a green thumb or at least I haven't killed them yet. This was my first venture into gardening and I have to say I am hooked. To heck with flowers, I want to be able to eat the fruits of my labor, literally! Next up squash and maybe some lettuce.

Lucky Number Seven

Bouncing and talking and playing!

7 Things About 7 Months

1. Liam is a chubby, happy, smiley, cuddly, sweet, lovable seven month old that I thank God for every single day. When people see us out they always say, "He is just such a happy baby!" and that is so very true. He loves to laugh and smile and flirt especially with the ladies.

2. Liam loves eating solids. His favorite food hands down has to be CARROTS! As I am getting them warmed up he sits in his high chair squealing because I am not going fast enough and once he is finished he has this nice orange glow around his mouth that I just can't seem to get rid of.

3. Liam has his first tooth or should I say teeth! The first one (front bottom left) came in on June 15th and the second one (front bottom right) just this week. He is trying to figure them out and will definitely chew/bite anything especially ME!!

4. Liam has been a trooper traveling all over the country with his mommy the past month. During the month of June we went to Carolina Beach, NC; Jackson Hole, WY; Durham, NC; Lumberton, NC; and Atlanta, GA. We have several more trips planned this summer. Who knows, we may be coming to a city near you soon!!

5. Liam is still trying to master sitting up on his own. He is pretty stable front to back but side to side he is still a little wobbly. He is starting to venture outside of his comfort zone and is really reaching for things and starting to maneuver around on his belly.

6. Liam loves to talk and squeal and laugh. When he figures out how to make a funny sound he will try it over and over again especially if it is particularly loud. His favorite sound is still "mama mama" as you can see in the video. Of course when he does it I come running in hopes that he will figure out that "Mama, mama" is me.

7. Liam has finally discovered the fourth member of our family, Sadie. Just this week I caught him really playing with her. He had a toy that he was holding out for her and he was talking to her trying to get her attention but she pretty much ignores him. He loves to pull her ears and her hair and squeeze her nose and she loves to lick his hands and face and feet no matter how hard I try to keep her away. I am sure they are going to be best buddies and causing me lots of trouble together very soon.

I could go on and on with this list but I think that about brings you up-to-date on all the happenings with my sweet, Liam for right now. God is so good and continues to bless us each and every day. Holding my sweet little Liam in my arms I am certain that there is a God and he is good.

Rolf's 1st Father's Day

Liam and Rolf snuggling on Father's Day morning

I am blessed with an amazing husband who just happens to be a truly amazing Dad, as well. From day one Rolf has been a very active dad, from cleaning pumping supplies and changing just about every diaper possible when we were in the hospital to bathtime and bedtime here at home. Liam absolutely loves Rolf and I fear that my hopes of having a "Mama's boy" are fading fast. As soon as Rolf walks in the door from work Liam starts to kick and squeal with excitement. He reaches out his arms and can't wait to love on his daddy after a long day.

Rolf was post-call on Father's Day so Liam and I were waiting at home with a big breakfast for him when he finally stumbled in the door. After a short nap we spent the afternoon hanging out as a family. Then Liam and I made Rolf his requested Father's Day dinner of fried chicken, country-style green beans, rice, biscuits, and peach cobbler with ice cream for dessert.

Here are a couple of my favorite pics of Rolf and Liam so far:

Happy Father's Day, my love!

Elizabeth & Ryan's Wedding Weekend

The first weekend in June, Liam and I ventured to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, for Elizabeth and Ryan's wedding weekend. Elizabeth is Rolf's first cousin and since Rolf wasn't able to go, Liam and I went as family representatives. Liam and I flew out of Norfolk and met up with most of Rolf's family in Atlanta. Unfortunately Mary Anne, George, Rachel, and Grandpa missed getting on our flight to Jackson Hole. We were very sad that they missed the flight but Liam and I ended up with a whole row to ourselves which was very nice. I was a little nervous since this was my first time flying with Liam and I was doing it by myself but he did great and slept most of the flight.

In Jackson Hole, we stayed at the beautiful Moose Head Ranch which is in Grand Teton National Park. It is a family owned and run ranch and was truly amazing! I can't wait to take our family there one day once our kids are old enough to ride the horses. Anyone looking for a great family vacation check out their website. This was an experience not to be missed!

Rolf's family came in from all over the country to celebrate with Elizabeth and Ryan and we had such a great time hanging out, catching up, riding horses, and getting into a lot of trouble over the weekend. I was even able to ride horses one morning while Liam hung out with his Agga, Papa, and Great-Grandpa. For a lot of people this was their first time meeting Liam. He is such a sweet little guy with lots of love to go around, so he had plenty of hugs and kisses for all of his great-aunts, uncles, and cousins!

Elizabeth and Ryan got married in a quaint little chapel in Grand Teton National Park. The bride was stunning and the groom stood in awe of his beautiful bride as she walked down the aisle. They were married by the grooms father in a very lovely ceremony unlike any that I have attended before. Liam was great and slept through the entire thing. They had a beautiful reception complete with dinner and dancing at the bride's parents home on the bank of the Snake River.

Thank you to the Kimball's for such a lovely weekend. We made memories that will be remembered for a long to come and look forward to hopefully visiting you all again soon.

**Don't forget to pause the music on our website before you start the slideshow.