Florida in July

It is my hope that we have started a new family tradition… spending the month of July together as a family in Florida. What started out as a month long getaway to rest and relax has turned into one of the most meaningful bonding experiences our family of three has ever had. I have come to realize that getting away from it all and focusing on one another is nearly impossible in the busy world we all live in and I am so thankful for this time. From the 90 consecutive meals we have eaten together to the 21 (and counting) trips to the pool, it has been an experience J.

I have to admit that there have been more than a few moments when I have felt guilty for being gone so long. You get a strange look (or two) when you tell someone “I will be gone the month of July” and at first I felt the need to apologize. But over the last 23 days I have come to realize that no apology is needed. You don’t get a do-over when it comes to raising your family and spending this time together is something I can pray continues for at least the next 20 years.

With baby #2 set to arrive in October, we have been able to spend some much needed time with Ford and it is hard to believe that this will be our only summer excursion of this nature as a family of three. Putting everything else aside isn’t always the easiest and I can only imagine how big of a sell “Florida in July” will be when our children are teenagers.  But until then, I am going to fight for this family tradition and keep my fingers crossed that we can continue to make it happen.

Going home next week will be tough, but we will be leaving excited about July 2014 and our family of four!

Fourth of July in Perdido Key

 

Ford the Fireman... hat compliments of the awesome Perdido Key Firemen

 

Turning Two!

Well, it has happened, out little man has turned two! We all had an amazing time this past weekend celebrating Ford’s second birthday and are so truly thankful for the amazing friends and family we have been blessed with in our lives.

My absolute favorite moment of the weekend occurred when everyone was singing “Happy Birthday” to Ford. As everyone was singing, he was looking at the faces of everyone there in awe. It was obvious that he was taking in the moment and realizing that all these people were here to show him how special he was and how much he is loved.

In our lives, these “moments” are truly few and far between and I can only hope that this is the memory from the party that he will always remember and cherish. I know that the innocent and appreciative look on his face is something I will always hold dear.

It's Beginnig To Look A Lot Like Christmas!

Today Ford attended his second annual Camellia Healthcare Christmas party. Each year, Abb and WA host a wonderful Christmas lunch for their corporate and administrative employees and it is a WONDERFUL time say thank you to the many amazing people that are part of the Camellia team.

While the party was truly for the Camellia folks, Ford was under the impression that was a party for him and he took the opportunity to put on quite a show. He really connected with the musicians and got pretty vocal when they decided to take a break. Good thing everyone thought his demands to "play" and "guitar" were cute (as I was pretty sure he was being a bit bossy!).

 

PS... a big shout out to Brandon Chase Welborn with BCW designs! The party truly was a "Camellia Experience".

Amazing to look back on how much our little man has changed in one year!!!

 

 

 

Let The Festivities Begin…

In my world, today marks the first unofficial day of the start of the holiday season. As the Monday of Thanksgiving week, today is the day when all thoughts switch over to “holiday mode”. Last year our sweet Ford was only just emerging from the newborn stage and we were just excited to be able to “prop” him up in the sitting position for a few photos. This year marks the beginning of a whole new ballgame. Now walking and talking, Ford is more interactive than ever and I cannot wait to begin introducing him to the magic of the holidays.  

Holidays are about traditions, family, friends, faith, joy and happiness. I am so excited and have EVERY intention of overloading Ford and the entire Payne household (sorry Mandi) on all of the above. I am looking forward to starting some new family traditions and resurrecting some old ones. Between Thanksgiving, Christmas, a wedding celebration, my birthday and New Year’s, there is a lot of celebrating on tap for the next six weeks!

The Power of Words

I always knew that words were powerful. They can make you laugh, make you cry, fill you will unimaginable happiness or shameful regret. Words build bridges, tear down mountains, heal hurts and so much more.

At 16 months, our little Ford is full of words. We never seem to know what will come out of his little mouth and it is so amazing to watch another person grasp and master that mystifying thing we call language.

Here is a short video of Abb and Ford working on his words. While it is so simple, it makes my heart melt to hear both their sweet voices.

Lucky 13

Some may say that the number 13 is bad luck. Granted we have had our share of unlucky falls, bumps, bruises and allergic reactions during month 13, but overall July 2012 has been pretty special for our little Fordy Boy!

Social Milestones: He has finally mastered the coveted high five! I had no idea how big a deal this was… must be a male thing J. He has also learned how to play the “guess which hand it’s in” game. Whether it’s a ball or a quarter, Ford is thrilled when he guesses correctly the first time! Probably our most favorite milestone is Ford’s ability (and willingness) to give hugs and kisses when requested. It doesn’t get any better than that!!!

Physical Milestones: No more walking… we are running! Just hum the first few lines to Jaws and he will take off. I’ve got to catch this one on video. Look out David Beckham… Ford has learned how to kick.

Growth and Development: Those super sharp one year molars have FINALLY broken the surface. We are still battling sore gums and buckets of drool, but we are thrilled to actually see those pearly whites!

Favorite Food: Green beans are still hanging on as Ford’s favorite. I swear I am going to send his photo into Del Monte. If he can’t be the poster child, at the very least we could get a few free cans of green beans!

This month’s words: Bubble, Andy (his term of endearment for our dog Mandi), and of course his go to phrase… bye bye (most often used when he wants a change of scenery).

During July Ford also attended his first Payne family reunion and met a number of cousins and relatives (see previous blog post). It has been a busy month and our sweet boy has met every new adventure with lots of smiles and a healthy dose of curiosity!