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!

“Just Carrying On an Ole Family Tradition”

Whew… that’s all I can say after this weekend activities. On Saturday, July 21, 73 adults, 34 children (plus one on the way) and one yellow lab gathered in Glendale, MS to partake in the family tradition that is known as the Payne Family Reunion. It had been approximately seventeen years since the gang had come together and needless to say, we made up for lost time!!!

There is no telling how many laughs, hugs and recollections of family “stories” took place on Saturday, but one thing is for certain… the Payne family lives on. Below are a few photos of the fun times had and hopefully it won’t be seventeen years before we get together again!!!

The Payne Gang... July 2012

Telling some of those "family stories"

One of many hugs I was able to catch on camera!!!

Ford's first time fishing!

Cousin pool party!!! So thankful the sun finally came out!!!

Look at all those adorable children!!! The Payne family is certainly blessed!!!

51 Weeks

Seven days… that is all that remains to the first year of Ford’s life. In 51 short weeks, my tiny 6 lb. 14 oz. baby has grown into a waking, babbling, expressive and slightly opinionated little boy. Every day he seems to understand more and it has been amazing to watch him develop and grow. Just last night, I sat and watched his chubby little hands try to put together a puzzle. While it may not seem like much, it was amazing to watch his brain and hands working in tandem for a specific purpose. I cannot help but think that today it is puzzles and tomorrow it will be the world’s problems that he is trying to solve.

It has been one amazing year and I am so grateful the God chose us to be Ford’s parents. Parenthood is truly awe inspiring and no one could have prepared me for this ride! Here is to the first 51 weeks and the next 51 (plus) years.

Showing off at the Windham House

Our friendly little Ford, showing off for all the patients at the Windham House nursing home.

Adventures on the Baby Food Aisle

Everyone knows that there are a number of parenting duties that are mommy specific. For us, it is the purchasing of baby food and the planning of meals that seems to be a “mommy only” task. Somehow, I was deemed the resident “Payne Household Nutritionist” and all decisions about food have seemingly fallen to me.

Because of my new role, I have found myself at the grocery store more frequently than I ever imagined. Weekly shopping is usually done on Sunday afternoons, but it seems to never fail that I find myself “running to pick something up” two and three times a week.

During my increasingly frequent trips to the grocery, I have had some interesting encounters on the baby food aisle. I have received advice to “enjoy the good times and to cherish my youth and health” from a woman purchasing baby food for her husband suffering from throat cancer. I have attempted to comfort  a very young teen mother struggling to purchase baby food for the first time. And, I have given my opinion on the best veggie, fruit and puff on the shelf. My interactions have all been with other women, who seem to also have the weight and responsibility of feeding their family placed upon their shoulders.

Surprisingly, the baby food aisle has taught me a lot about motherhood. It is taught me that we are all in the same boat… just doing the best we can. We love our families, feel so much pressure to get things right (even down to the smallest detail), and don’t mind one bit that everyone is counting on us.

As I prepare for Ford’s first birthday, I know that my trips down the baby food aisle are numbered. Pretty soon, he and I will be arguing on the junk food aisle about what is the best nutritional choice rather than my current one sided decisions over mashed pears vs. prunes.  Despite my baby growing up (and getting a mouth full of teeth), I will probably still take an occasional trip down the baby food aisle when I need to be reminded of the amazing responsibility that motherhood had given me.