Baptism

"Behold the love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God" 1 John 3:1


Thomson was baptised this weekend at our church, First United Methodist. He wore an old gown that has been in the Sams family for generations. Aunt Dorothy says the gown was worn by Gus' great-grandmother, Thomson's great-great grandmother. It was a perfect day and we are thankful for our family who celebrated with us.

I don't know about this tummy time thing...

Thomson's baptism is this weekend and the gown fits! We are looking forward to seeing all of our family together this weekend!
Here are some random pictures from the past few weeks:



I don't know about this tummy time thing...That's fun, gampa, do it again! I could just stare at my pretty gamma all day long...

Annie I Remember

Sunday Thomson and I visited his great-grandmother, my Annie Mimi. She was as beautiful as ever and, according to my dad, having a really great day. She was having a snack when we arrived and we took her to her room, which is brand new and beautiful. She seemed peaceful and I was so grateful that the staff seemed to be paying individual attention to her. She was enamored with Thomson and couldn't keep her eyes off of him. I couldn't sleep on Sunday night because my mind was filled with sweet memories of her.

April 20th she will turn 97.

Annie you may not remember me, but I remember you. I remember the books that you would read to Erin and me and the make-believe stories you captivated us with. I rememer Christmas Eves at your house and our family skits. I remember playing for hours with you in your creek, sitting on your bridge and hearing stories about your troll. I remember your love for travel and the wonderful places that you and Papa Brooks visited. When I went to the Philippines you were my biggest supporter. You loved Africa, told me about David Livingston and your time there. I will always cherish your African batiks.

I remember. I love you.

4 years, 4 months

Gus and I have been married 4 years today!

These 4 years have been full! We have lived in three cities, traveled to St. Lucia, moved into our adorable first house in Charlottesville, adopted and trained a crazy puppy, explored the Blue Ridge mountains, visited wineries in Virginia, made wonderful friends in Virginia, decided not to do a fellowship and move to Athens, bought our first house in Athens, fit our entire house into a 12' rental truck, traveled to Italy, started Gus' practice in Athens, and had our first baby. Since Thomson, life continues to be very full and fun!
My anniversary present to Gus is to finally order our wedding album! This has been a sore subject for 4 years and I am finally going to bite the bullet and pull the trigger!!


Yesterday Thomson turned 4 months old - he is a joy!

Just for our records, here is what Thomson is up to these days:

-Puts everything into his mouth

-Giggles

-Talks a whole lot

-Grasps objects in both hands

-Kicks a lot

-Loves his swing, play mat, mobile, books, pacifiers, walks, and puppy lovie

-Spits up like crazy, goes through 4+ outfits a day

-Hates tummy time

-Loves to be held up in the air or to stand up on his legs

- Poops every Wednesday and Sunday, like clockwork

-Sleeps 12 hours a night, around 6:45pm to 7 am

-30 minute nap in the morning

-Just recently starting taking a better mid-day nap, 1-2 hours

-Usually snoozes late afternoon

-Nurses 4-5 times a day

Tiny love

Last friday we took Thomson to see Dr. Henry for his 4-month checkup (two weeks early). Everything is going great, he is still in the same percentiles of weight and height, and his little head has grown 3/8". During the visit, Henry said that soon we can start him on solid foods, as soon as he can hold his head up in a Bumbo chair and seems interested in eating. We're going to wait awhile - at least until after Thomson's "fit into the Christening gown diet" is over. But this morning, after Dad left for work, Thomson and I decided to try out the Bumbo chair for the first time...and it was the most fun that he has had in all of his 3+ months - he was thrilled to be sitting on his own, looking around his room from a whole new angle!

So for those of you looking for a gift for a baby or a pregnant lady, Thomson is loving anything that rotates. He loves to lay on our bed and watch the slow ceiling fan. He will sit in his swing, turned off, and when I walk over to him he looks up at the mobile, as if telling me "Mom, make it move with your magic!" He is amazed. But my favorite toy for him right now is this portable mobile by Tiny Love. You can find it here . I hang it on his activity mat, on his stroller for walks, and on his car seat. He loves it!

Happy Birthday Gamma!

Happy Birthday Gamma! (yesterday) You are one special lady!! I had fun on our dinner date last night!!! love, Thomson

3 Months...

This is a long post - there are too many cute pictures to choose from! Yesterday was your first snow! We had fun this morning on the Ranger, driving through Five Points - you were under my jacket! (Actually I need to clarify that it's dad's red jacket, and it's very warm but not too attractive :) Yay snow!

Okay, and here are more random pictures from a few of our daily photo sessions. Is that an elephant on your sweater?
Bates makes the perfect foot rest!
I love when Daddy gets home from work! Mom almost caught her favorite smile!

I love my swing!!!
Daddy, do I look cross-eyed?Taking pictures is exhausting - time for a nap!