A first for Mom

On Monday of this week I spent my first night away from Sawyer. Many people questioned if it would be/was difficult. To be honest I was ready to see him when I returned home, but the night away was very refreshing. I had a work assignment (I know most think I am a SAHM, which I am, but I also do some consulting work especially during open enrollment season) that was three hours away from home, so I had to drive there the night before. I didn't actually reach the hotel until 10:00 pm, so I didn't have much relaxing time. However, I immensely enjoyed the time I had to take a long, uninterrupted shower, catch up on some blogs without anyone whining at my leg, watch a little (as in 15 minutes) HGTV, and get a full nights sleep without waking up once (Sawyer used to sleep through the night, but since he has started teething he wakes up at least once a night).

It was a great 24 hour break, but I am glad to be home. As much as I like working I love being with my baby all day. This short break just reminded me how much I love my job as a mom and how thankful I am to be home with him all day, everyday!

The Weekend with lots of visitors

We had lots of fun with our lots of visitors :) Besides going to the football game we went to church, ate a bunch of food, celebrated a birthday, and played football outside in the yard.

Grandpa, Grandma, & Sawyer (how do you feel about Lolli & Pop for the grandparents name?)

Family pic w/ bad lighting

My brother and his family

We celebrated Mom's 50th birthday, though she kept reminding us she was not yet 50 (she's got one more week :)

Proof that Sawyer is now standing with no support

Uncle Kale & Sharin entertaining Sawyer

Kale & Soy Bean

Playing with farm animals courtesy of the grandparents

Each animal makes their corresponding noise and he gets a kick out of that.

Sawyer climbing on Grandpa.

Thanks for visiting! We had lots of fun!

Game #7

This week was another heartbreaker. Malone played their cross-town rival Walsh. Most of the game the Pioneers trailed and at the beginning of the 4th quarter (approximately) it was looking pretty dismal with Malone trailing 17-7. However a great comeback was in the works, but the game ended about 10 minutes to soon. The final was 24-21.

Grandma & Sawyer

Uncle Kale & Sawyer

Grandpa & Sawyer

Daddy & Sawyer

As you can tell from the pictures my family from Colorado and Indiana were in town to visit Sawyer and celebrate a special birthday, so we all attended the game. More on the weekend and visitors in the next post.

Discovering something new

Sawyer

meets

the

cowbell!

A football phenomenon that he will become well acquainted with over the years.

9 month Photo Shoot

Hey mom, daddy is funny

He's so funny I'm going to clap for him.

Then laugh and give him a big open mouth kiss.

Momma finally took the time for a 9 month photo shoot. With the help of daddy being silly.

Still a baby (kinda)

While he no longer interacts like a baby sometimes I walk into his room during naptime and he still resembles a baby.

He looks like a sweet, peaceful, innocent babe.

But I know when his eyes open he will smile, pull up on the crib, jump in excitement to get out and once he is freed he will squirm in my arms until I set him down so he can go, go, go.

So, before I awaken him I just revel in the moment of watching my baby still be a baby in his slumber.

Game #6

On Saturday Malone played #3 St. Xavier at home. The final score was 16-55 with Malone coming out on the losing end. The positive points are the offense scored 3 times against a very formidable defense and the defense did not allow any points in the 2nd half. Enough about the game here are some pictures.

Sawyer trying to stay warm and playing in the bleachers.

Such a cutie with his stocking cap on.

The sidelines.

Sawyer got tired of watching the game so the 2nd half he took a nap.

Not interested in taking a picture with mommy

While it was a rough day at the office for daddy there is someone who can always bring a smile to his face.

Babywearing

Then

&

Now

Wearing my baby has changed a bit since he was a month old. Seasons have changed, states have changed, and size has definitely changed. One thing that hasn't changed is his ability to always fall asleep when in the baby carrier. Don't mind my non-make-uped face.

9 months

Someone is happy to announce he is 9 months old!

Highlights

• At the beginning of your 8th month you started climbing the stairs
• Had your 1st black eye (totally unsure how you got it)
• Started standing with no hands
• Walk (practically run) with the assistance of a walking toy
• Clap, wave, and give high fives
• Could eat a whole box of cheerios in one sitting if we allowed it
• Loves to wrestle with daddy
• Two top teeth are coming through the gums for a total of 4 teeth
• Cruises around furniture
• Giggles and laughs hysterically when chased by daddy

S using walker from Kristen Schenk on Vimeo.

I know you want stats...I do to, but we had to reschedule his appointment so I'll update at the end of the month after his dr. appointment

Baby Dedication

On Sunday, October 10th, 2010 we publicly dedicated Sawyer to the Lord. I would like to think we dedicated Sawyer to the Lord before he was even born, but this was our opportunity to dedicate him publicly in front of our church body.

It's a great reminder that he belongs to the Lord. The Lord has entrusted Kyle and me to raise Sawyer and it is our prayer that he will come to know the Lord and live a life that is full of love, praise, service, and joy for Jesus Christ.

Here are some of the verses I will pray for Sawyer now and as he grows (feel free to pray them along with me):

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way... Colossians 1: 9-10

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. 1 Peter 4: 8-11

And while we attend the church service this is how Sawyer rolls in the nursery.

Game #5

This weekend's game was more than just a time to watch football. Malone traveled to Indiana to play Taylor University. TU just happens to be my alma mater and they were nice enough to schedule the game for homecoming so I could go back for my 5 year reunion :)

Sawyer and I started the weekend early. We left home right before his afternoon nap and headed to Indiana. Sawyer did great on the 5 hour ride to Indianapolis. He only cried for about 20 minutes and as I was about to pull over to give him a break he went back to sleep. So we drove the whole 5 hours without stopping because he was doing so great I didn't want to interrupt his slumber. We stayed with my wonderful college roommate and her husband (Drew & Chris). We had a good time chatting, eating, running after the little one, and touring there new house. Hopefully Sawyer and his "inquisitiveness" did not deter them from ever having children :)

On Saturday we made the trek up to Upland, IN and went to a reunion BBQ for lunch. I recognized many faces, but many of the names escaped me. It's kind of crazy how much has changed in 5 years. Then we met up with another TU friend, Allison, and went to the much anticipated football game. Of course I cheered for the Pioneers. At half-time we went to Ivanhoes which was a delicious as ever! The game was not exciting by most fan's standards, but it was a very good game. It was another close one, but the Pioneers lost 7-12.

Drew, Me, & Allison

Me & Sawyer

Best part of the game: 2 Christian football teams praying after the game

Sawyer trying on Daddy's hat

We greeted Kyle after the game then the TU girls went to visit our old stomping grounds. We went to the dorm and the wing we lived in (1NE). Drew and I have the distinction of living in the same room with the same person for all 4 years of college. It was fun to see it five years later. It looked different, but very similar at the same time. The current resident of the room may or may not have thought we were a little crazy...I couldn't rightfully say.

The fam

Drew & Me in front of our old door

Some things never change: food on the ironing board in 1NE (only 1st Northers will understand this :)

It was fun to do a little walk down memory lane. By this time Sawyer was exhausted so we followed the bus home. We spent Sunday recovering from all the fun activities of the weekend.