Berkleigh Marion Billstone-Welcome to Our Family

NYC Our littles are getting big!

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Wonderous One Month!

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Berkleigh has now been in the world for one month. She is a joy and her brother adores her. He is extremely protective already and will tell anyone who looks at her, "that MY Berkleigh!" He stiff armed an 18 month old at the mall play area the other day and told her, "that's my sissser, she seeping, don't hit my Berkleigh." So, yeah, ultra protective already. He loves her so. We were napping right now, and by we, I mean myself and B. When I woke up Corban was lying next to Berkleigh holding her hand. I managed to get a pic, as I was getting up to come and blog. He had at some point crawled out of bed and put on his "Thomas the Train" boots. So cute..

Corban talks all the time. He says Cookie you for thank you, and huggagarden for helicopter. He is gentle, and when he isn't, he is quick to say sorry. He refuses to nap, but will stay happily in his room for a couple of hours. Sometimes I think he is asleep, only to open the door and find him standing (sometimes naked) in the window! He tells me about the birds he sees sitting on the wire. Or, sometimes I go in, and he is just reading books, or playing with his dewdozier (bulldozer) that was under the bed. I know that he hasn't napped, but he gets so excited and tells me all about how he "woke up in da morning!" He MELTS me

2 Years Old!

Dear Corban, Today you turned two! It was a big day filled with smiles, laughter, balloons, and love! I got very emotional many times as I reflected on how utterly amazed I am by you, and how absolutely grateful I am for you. God gave us the biggest blessing when he brought you to us 2 years ago this evening. It has been such a joy to see the world through your eyes. You are special to us, you always will be more loved than you can ever imagine. You gave us the gift of parenthood, as well as many other gifts. I love how LOVING you are. You exhibit such a kind, gentle , and uninhibited love. I love our snuggles ,and our bedtime routine-you lay in bed and talk to me and just melt my heart. The other night you told me through sleepy eyes, "Mama, I LOVE books!" You really do. We can drive for hours and you will look at books and narrate them to me. You have the sweetest voice. I pray that you are always very loved my son. I pray that you follow the Lord because he created you to do so. We prayed for you long before you were conceived and will continue to do so throughout our lives. Happy 2nd birthday-don't ever lose the wonder in your heart or the specialness of your soul.

Memorable Memorial Day Wknd ending with a 17 month old

We had such a great long weekend. It's actually hard to imagine that we have to go back to work tomorrow. James signed up to work the 2nd Neon Desert Music Fest , so the past 3 weeks he has been getting all his ducks in a row for the big day. In a way, I couldn't wait until it was over so that we could have him back and have him safe and sound-the long hours and the toll it can take make me worry about him! I worry if he will get enough rest, will he eat, will he get a bathroom break, will he make the money he is out back, will he get home safely....you know, stuff us women worry about with our dear husbands. At the same time, I was excited for him and of course, proud too. Friday night before the show he was out and about getting stuff loaded in the truck and what not, Corban and I went to our friends house and met Dennis over there. We sat around with Jon, Lyndsie and their four girls. Corban was sufficiently entertained! Did I mention they have 3 dogs and 2 cats too? Then, some of our other friends from high school showed up. We took a quick pic with everyone-Corban was screaming in the pic because he wanted to be down playing in the baby pool I had just pulled him away from. We left 5 minutes later...it was most definitely bedtime...for both of us. We came home and Jaime was tying all the freezers and equipment down for the fest. Saturday, James was up and at 'em early. He left about 6 AM to go get ice and get downtown. Corban and I had VIP tickets to the show and went down that afternoon. James was in a different location than he was the first year, and had another employee with him. I could tell by the crowd that he was in for a LONG DAY and Night. He works SO hard! Corban and I hung out with friends, and Uncle Dennis. I will post pics as soon as I find them. My computer crashed , so there's really no telling. This year, Corban didn't do as well with the noise-canceling headphones as he did the first year. He would keep them on for a while, then want them off. We stayed away from the big speakers.

Just a link to a post about Organic Milk

Why choose Organic Milk http://www.organicconsumers.org/organic/seven052505.cfm

16

Corban hit 16 months yesterday. I took pictures of him and told many that this was his day, but I didn't begin a post! This was the first time in his life that I didn't blog on the 28th! It was a busy, wonderful weekend! Tonight after I placed him in bed, I sat back down in the recliner. I watched him through my half-closed sleepy eyes. Through my eyelashes, I watched as he stood up (out of the sound sleep I had nursed him into)he walked over to the window, peeked outside and said , "goooohummm." Then he looked at me, smiled and put his finger over his lips saying "shhh, shhhh, shhh." It made me want to laugh, but I didn't. Instead, I kept observing as he lovingly said, "hi" followed by some more indistinguishable words to his stuffed Kangaroo, and kid(Brisbane and Roo). He picked up Brisbane, wrapped his arms around her neck and hugged her tightly after a minute. He leaned back and looked at her, then kissed her nose sweetly. Then he hugged her for about 10 minutes, while gently patting her back. He ended up just cuddling her to sleep, and if my camera on my phone wasn't dead, I'd take a picture. I am so thankful to be experiencing these precious , precious moments.

15

Corban is 15 months today. Every morning I get excited to see his face, hear his voice. He talks a lot, I don't understand it all, but he speaks with such conviction.
We had a visit with his Mimi and Poppy over the weekend. He had a blast. Mimi brought him some books of Jaime's that she had kept. How special! Corban went with Mimi and Poppy over to visit his great grandparents on Saturday and Jaime and I went to go see Hunger Games. It was really good, and it was fun to see a movie!
We had a big lunch on Sunday and got to see everyone and enjoy serving a meal from our new home.
Corban had a good 15 month well-baby check. He is 30.5 inches tall, and weighs 20.06. He has grown an inch and a half since his 12 month appt and gained a little more than a pound. Doctor G says he is looking good.

St. Patrick's Day

For St. Patrick's Day (one of my favorite holidays), we were invited to a great party with sweet friends, Irish music, and lots of happy children. The weather was perfect and so was the company. The food wasn't too shabby either. Corned beef and cabbage, Shepherd's pie, and of course GUINNESS.

Saw these shamrock treats on a blog and we took them to the party! Cute and easy! Mini pretzels, rolo, M&M's, and a little icing for the stem. If I could remember where I saw them, I'd give due credit-but, they were not my original idea.

Friends!


Corban and Owen were playing with the cutest puppy through the fence.

Daddy got to come to the party for a bit before having to head to work.


Mama and Corb time relaxing in the swing

14 Months Today!

Playing in the yard. He goes down the slide on his tummy, feet first!

A bubble bath in the kitchen sink 4 days before leaving our Three Rivers home.

Over the last few weeks Corban has started to communicate more using the sign language we've shown him. He signs milk, more, bath, eat/food, ouch/hurt, night/sleep, and cracker. Three weeks ago he was playing in the living room and looked up at me and did the milk sign. I asked, "do you want milk?" and he nodded his head and said, "yets"! I was so excited because it was like we had an outspoken conversation! He also points to his body parts and says some of then ,"teef" he also says, hi and Hileee (haylee). He LOVES to be outside and thinks raising his shirt to find his belly and pat it is funny. He also likes to pat other peoples bellies ! haha
The other day we went to the park and there was a little girl there, she was 15 months old and Corban was all about her. He kept putting his hands up over his head and whizzing by her. Like Superman!! The other mom and I were cracking up! Guess he is picking this up from the older boys at Marisol's!
Now that the weather is getting nicer, we have been going to the park a lot more. It's so fun now - he loves to go down the slide, crawl through the tunnels, and watch the other kids. He likes to go and "talk" to the other kids, and it's cute how they follow each other around.
He has also become quite good on his feet. He practically runs! Corban also blows kisses when we say bye. The other day he was pretending to fall backwards, in slow motion, and then he would get all tickled and laugh, so would we.
We are getting ready to move next weekend and we are pretty excited! At the same time, it's been emotional because we are leaving our first home. Praying that God puts good renters in the home where our dreams began.

Rubber Ducky, You're the One

Corban is still a big fan of bathtime. He loves to kick his legs and talk to all the little toys.


He has this whale that sprays water and lights up. It chases him around the tub. He crawls after it and we take turns pushing it back and forth.



He dumps stuff over the tub and exclaims "UH OH!" and then babbles to me about getting it for him. He says "dis" and points at it. He periodically pauses during bathtime to let out a happy squeal and then hugs my neck and holds my face for kisses. It's like he is saying "thank you Mama-I love this!!!" It's one of my favorite parts! (I know that one day he will NOT want to get in the bath)



His hair curls up in the water- He looks like a Cupie doll when his hair is curly.


Caught mid splash! He kicks his legs like crazy.



Getting ready for bed-reading his book while I get him ready for his pajamas.




We have a space heater in the bathroom, he watches it-but knows not to touch it. I took this as I was telling him that it's hot. The face he is making makes me laugh.



Look at his curly hair-by morning the top flattens out, but the back and sides still have curl.



Ready to read a bedtime story and cuddle.

LOVE
This morning we made Valentine Jigglers for Marisol at the daycare. They had a little party. His first Valentine Day party!


He decided to sleep in though!!



Instead of waking him, and getting ready-I got the camera!



Sweet Angelface!



Good Morning Sunshine!!

Getting decked out in red and hearts today! Thanks for the shirt Erin! Someone in EP loves you!


Corban had a fun day today and took a 2.5 hour nap at daycare. Marisol, Martha, and ChaChita had the place decorated so cute. They had hearts everywhere and the children were enjoying strawberries and milk when I picked Corban up. We went over to show Mammy his Valentine shirt and play there for a bit, then it was back home we went.

Rolling the baseball around while I make dinner



What a big day Corban had! He is getting sleepy!




Playtime with the "pop pop" he says that when as he rolls it around. This was the last burst of energy before bedtime.



Hugging Teddy-then it's going to be time for bed!



What a happy day it was for us with our sweetheart.

Way to Go Daddy!!

Corban and I went to cheer Daddy on at the EP Marathon a couple of weeks ago. Here he is after just crossing the finish line and receiving his medal. It was a proud moment. Thankful God gave him the strength, health, and will to compete in the marathon again. Love cheering him on!



It was FREEZING out there! The wind was also terrible. Props to all the brave runners! Corban had on lots of layers, including a sweatshirt, and down vest. He was also up against me for body heat and for the majority of the time, I had my jacket zipped over him completely enclosing him-and protecting him from the elements. I think he was the warmest person out there.


God Bless


Aww, the quiet times with our boy. Special moment with Daddy after a big day.

Tennis and Visitors

Proud Papa Moment-Corban's 1st time on a tennis court



"uhhhh, excuse me, but you all forgot to leave me some!"




"Okay Uncle Brandon, I'll have that ball now"



"You guys need a ball boy?"



"Uncle Casey and Daddy want Mama to move me"



"But, I'm helping!!!"



"How about if I see a ball coming, I'll just do this!



"Other exciting things happened in January too! I got to play with Caden!!! He made my mama laugh so hard with his giggle! He was really putting on for us. It was so good to see wonderful friends and get to hang out with the Gleason family! Thanks for the shirt from Oz!"





"I also got a visit from my Great Aunt Cici! She made me laugh and played with me. Here I am getting a snuggle in before bed."