Happy Birthday(s)

We celebrated Cortney's birthday with the Vance family on Saturday, and then on Monday with the Basham family. Below are a few pics from our visits.

In honor of Cort's birthday, he and Simon decided to dress alike.




















Simon with Uncle David and his version of "Baby Puppy."















After the birthday meal, Kelly and my dad decided to arm-wrestle to see who had to wash the dishes. :)














Simon hanging out with his Great-Papaw Basham.















Simon and Papa -- they were both wearing their camo shorts that day!















Simon was invited to Corrie Powell's first birthday party on Tuesday. Although he was asleep when he arrived, he decided to wake up and enjoy the party. Happy birthday, Corrie!

Welcome Ada!

My brother, Jason, and his wife Amanda, welcomed another little one to the family on Tuesday, May 29, 2007, at 2:50 am. Ada Louise Vance was 7 lbs 9 oz and was 19 inches long. Congratulations to Jason, Amanda, and big brother Henry on their new family member! We can't wait to meet little Ada this weekend.

(Again, we have borrowed a picture from their blog -- more pics will be coming after our visit.)

Jason and Ada

Welcome Sydney!

Congratulations to our friends, Jeff and Jessica McClanahan, on the arrival of their little girl, Sydney Grace. Sydney was born at 11:01 am on May 26 (same day as Cortney's birthday!). She weighed 8 lbs 2 oz and was 20 inches long. We're so happy for you guys!

(By the way, we borrowed this picture of Sydney from the McClanahan's blog!)

"Meet Virginia"

She never compromises, loves babies and surprises
Wears hi-heels when she exercises, aint that beautiful.

~"Meet Virginia" by Train


Simon and Daddy have continued to have a big week together. The grand finale was on Friday -- Simon joined Cort at his Friday morning prayer group. With Cortney leading the group this week, Simon just sat back and took it all in. Afterwards, he joined everyone for the traditional breakfast at Teresa's Restaurant. Side note: Since Cort's birthday was on Saturday, they gave him his breakfast free!

Memorial Day/Birthday visits began on Saturday morning (along with Simon's first taste of sweet potatoes!). Pics will be forthcoming.

Simon (finally) enjoying tummy time.














Daddy instructs Simon on the proper way to water his other "babies."














Simon has decided that his toes taste almost as good as his squash!














Simon and Virginia (their waitress every Friday at Teresa's).














Simon enjoys being the project manager, while Daddy works away in the garden.

Veggies and Democracy

Simon has had several more "firsts" in the last few days. He has found his toes, and has even chewed on them once or twice. He can stand on the floor if he holds on to mom or dad's thumbs. He has rolled from his side to his belly, although he has not managed a complete rollover just yet. Other firsts:

Squash. LOVES it.















Exersaucer. Confused...but has moments of enjoyment.















Gardening. It's REALLY hard work. He helped dad plant tomatoes this morning. He actually served as "project manager."














Voting. It's funny, but Simon spoke his first words today: "gubernatorial primary." And we were hoping for "mama" or "dada."

Little Kicks

Here is a short video from one of this weekend's exercise sessions.


Simon is all smiles while he waits for his cereal.

Word to Your Mother(s)

Laurie and I took Simon on his first two-night trek away from home on this Mother's Day weekend. Not only that, but the little guy did the double-overnighter with infections in both ears. He was a trooper. He is doing better now--just a few brief screams here and there with some ear-tugging, but they pass pretty quickly.

This big weekend saw:
Friday
--Mom get her hair cut short
--a power outage during packing for the trip (Ever try wrapping presents in the dark?)
--a late arrival and excellent ravioli dinner with Nana B. and Granddaddy
Saturday
--Simon's first carrots (LOVES 'em!)
--visits to Great-Papa Kenneth and Granny Great
--lunch at El Mazatlan
--drive up to Breck County
--dinner with PaPa, Yaya, Uncle Dooney, Aunt Nikki, and Great-Papaw and Great-Mamaw Basham
Sunday
--Simon's first trip to Custer First Church of God
--lunch with most of the Preston family (25+ folks) at Great-Mamaw Preston's house
--meeting Abby face to face (PaPa and YaYa's dog)
--lots of near-rolling over

It was an eventful weekend. Pics:

Nana B. holds Simon while mom introduces the carrots.















Simon hangin' out with Granny-Great.















Simon with newborn cousin Aaden Tucker. I know, Simon looks like the Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man from Ghostbusters. But, Aaden is a little guy: 5 lb, 9 oz, when he left the hospital. Simon is likely pushing 17 lbs these days.















Simon and YaYa after a marathon session of trying to get Simon to roll over. He almost did it a few times, and he got even closer tonight at home. Soon...















This summarized the weekend. LOTS of fun, but mom and Simon were worn out on Sunday afternoon.

Sick Day: Updated

Poor Simon is dealing with his first fever. [EDIT: It's an ear infection in both ears.] When I arrived to pick him up yesterday, he was asleep. When we tried to put him in his car seat, he came unglued! It was scary because he rarely, rarely cries and this was a full-on, no-holds-barred scream. After he settled a bit, I got him home and we discovered that he had a fever. He still ate pretty well and slept OK last night. He still is not feeling the best, but seems to be much better this morning. His temp was still a little high, but down from last night.

Say a prayer for Simon today. He has Mother's Day to celebrate this weekend and he will need his strength.

[EDIT: Fortunately, the antibiotics should have him feeling much better in a day or two. He has full clearance to travel this weekend. The doc said he'll feel pretty much the same no matter where he is, so go ahead!]

Guessing Game

Okay, so we've raided our families' old pictures of when Cort and I were little. Below are a few different ones. We're wondering who he favors more. What do you think?

Baby Cortney



















Baby Laurie



















Older Baby Cortney



















Same Baby Laurie



















Baby Simon

More Cereal Please

This past week Simon has been continuing with his morning cereal -- he does so well! As of last Saturday, he began having an evening cereal meal, too.

He is continuing to do well. This is his last full week at the babysitter's -- next week will be the beginning of a summer of father-son bonding.

Here are some new pics.

Simon has recently found his tongue. He continually tries to talk while sticking his tongue out at the same time. This combination produces lots of "Sugar" -- (also known as drool).














Simon watched his first Kentucky Derby on Saturday. He was rooting for Teuflesberg, whose owner is from Bowling Green. Sadly, his horse didn't win.














Simon had a good time laughing at Daddy while he ate some rice cereal.














Simon got to hang out with Lewis Shepherd on Sunday night. He hopes this will be the first of many play dates with his new friend.