Sweet Robby

I realize that none of my children really favor me much. They all look much more like their daddy. But, today Becki texted me a baby picture of myself and we think it kind of resembles Robby. Sweet Robby is a precious little dude and we are so blessed to have him. He is very easy going and doesn't really fuss much. When I went to get him from the nursery after women's Bible study yesterday morning though one lady mentioned he was quite the dare devil. Matthew and I have had the same observations but I was hoping it wasn't so. After all, isn't it enough to have one son that is a dare devil?!? Hopefully his cautious sister will have an influence on him! We love you, Robby!

Baby Robby

Baby Na

Life Lately in Norman... Stories of school and (unsuccessful) potty training

Well life here in Norman lately has been quite nice. We are settling into our new daily routine with a kindergartner. So far Abby is loving school, most of the time. We had a few rough mornings last week with her waking up in tears and telling us she didn't want to go to school. However, bribery has always seemed to work well for this child so I told her I would come and have lunch with her at school if she could go three days without crying. It worked and I love having lunch with her anyway so it was a win-win situation. We are in a carpool with some friends and I pick up on Mondays and Wednesdays, so twice a week (at least) I have the opportunity to ask myself, "How have I become my mom so quickly?" I am also like my mom now in that I am a proud member of the PTA. I am blessed to have a wonderful mom so I am delighted to follow in her footsteps - I pray that I can be as good as a mom as she is! Oh wait, there is one way in that I am not like my mom at this stage... Those of you that I grew up with know my mom fed us very healthy food and always made us lunches without dessert (some of you may have memories of me trying to sweet talk you into giving me YOUR dessert). Mom, don't be mad but today I bought Little Debbie Swiss Cake Rolls to put in Abby's lunch. I just couldn't help myself.

Speaking of bribery, it does not seem to work well for our second child. I am ready for him to be potty-trained but he feels differently. I borrowed an idea from a friend and put some prizes on display, however so far he is content to just sit and look up at these fabulous cars and this awesome puzzle:) Maybe they are not fabulous or awesome enough for Jacob? Or is he just that stubborn? Oh well, they can just sit there and gather dust until he's ready to put his body on the potty for potty time (to quote Elmo). Here are some pictures of late. Most of them are on Facebook so sorry for the repeats.

Wouldn't you hop on the potty for these prizes!?!

I love Jacob's expression in this picture. He just woke up one morning wanting to put on this Buzz costume.

Abby has now lost three teeth. The tooth fairy almost blew it on this one though. Thankfully I remembered right before bed and sent him in to do his thing before we fell asleep:)

For you, Hannah

So this past weekend I was sitting at the kitchen table with my wonderful sister-in-law and she said, "You don't update your blog too often, do you?" The truth is I used to be a decent blogger but these days I am just plain bad. I love reading the blogs of our friends and family - in this regard I am a taker instead of a giver. This has to stop. So, I decided to do a post of fun summer memories. This post is for you, Hannah - I love you and your blog accountability!

The Smith Girls - We kicked the summer off by running a half-marathon with my dad. It was hot but good!

The kids and I visited Temple this past weekend while Matthew was in Chicago with his dad and brother. We had a great time with friends and family. Here I am feeding the babies puffs - they went nuts over it!

Robby - this little guys brings us so much joy!

We spent a week this summer up in northern Michigan at Burt Lake. We had a blast with our family. This is a picture of Jakey with our cousin, Tommy.

We went for a family walk in the woods up north and the kids all had a blast. Becki and I toted the babies around like this all week. I love that my sister (who also happens to be my best friend) and I have babies that are seven weeks apart.

Sweet Robby on the beach at Lake Michigan

Robby and me at the cottage on Burt Lake

Could they be any cuter?!? We love you, Mom & Dad!

And could they be any cuter?!? Matthew and Jacob taking a walk on the beach.

The girls of the next generation. Becki and I pray that Abby and Mina Claire grow up to be best friends.

Happy 1/2 Birthday to Robby!

Robby is 6 months old! We are so thankful for the joy our youngest child brings to our family. Robby is such a sweet little guy and his big sister and brother just adore him. I took him to the doctor for his 6 month well visit and he weighs 17 pounds and 6 ounces and is 26 inches long - which puts him at the 50% point. He seems so big to me but I looked back and Jacob weighed in at 19 pounds when he was 6 months old.

Happy 1/2 Birthday to our littlest man! We love you, Robert Andrew!

Summer Fun

How is it possible that it's already July!?! We've had a great summer so far - lots of weekend trips and good times with friends and family. I feel especially blessed because Matthew is basically off for the summer. I think I can definitely get used to life as a professor's wife!

Shepherd and Jacob playing together in San Antonio during our visit last month. (Too bad they can't wear underwear all the time yet - Jacob has clearly demonstrated to us that he's not ready for potty training!) We had such a wonderful time and loved spending time with old friends!

Sweet Samantha loved playing with Robby.

Robby and his buddy Carter

Abby and Sara Kate are reunited! Abby got to spend three nights with Sara Kate and loved every minute of it.

Pop built his grandbabies a sandbox and they all just love playing in it.

Lately...

Lately I've been spending lots of time counting our blessings. We are thankful for our new town and the sweet new friends we have met (although we do wish Norman was in Texas - closer to old friends and family), thankful that Matthew is so happy in his work and that he is working toward his dream job and thankful for such a loving family and our precious babies! We are thankful for a God that loves us so. The list could go on and on...

This weekend we had both Matthew's parents and my parents come for a visit. Above is a picture of Robby and Bebe.

Pop and Hootsie with their grandbabies.

Abby and Jacob after planting some flowers in the yard. Last night Abby said, "Jacob is my brother and my friend."


Our littlest love, Robby.

Dad and me after the OKC Memorial Half Marathon & Marathon. We each made it - but it hailed on poor dad's head as he finished the full marathon.

HOME

We are finally getting settled into our new home here in Norman. We cannot believe how quickly sweet Robby is growing up! He is the perfect finale to our family and a wonderful gift from God. Robby has a precious disposition and he is a good eater and decent sleeper, thankfully.

Robby on March 11, 2011. He was a great smile, I just haven't caught it on camera yet!

Sleeping baby. I was carrying him in the sling a couple weeks ago and Robby fell asleep - and stayed asleep for a little bit.

Jacob is TWO! We cannot believe this little ball of joy is two years old. Jacob seems to be adjusting well to our new life here - he is good as long as he can run, eat and play hide and seek with his Daddy and sister - it doesn't matter to him what state that is in!