Early Christmas

We had Christmas at Mikayla's Great-aunt's (Leshia's family) on Sunday. Our cousin Kristy and her husband, Steve, are in from Japan until Friday so we had to do things a little early this year. We enjoyed spending time with them while they were here. I think they will be back again late next summer. Mikayla was not overly excited about the packages - more about what was inside. However, she did show a lot of interest in the ribbons.

Mike took this picture from the back of everyone watching Mikayla open her presents.
This is Mikayla's cousin, Ian. We open presents in order of age, starting with the youngest. Until this year Ian was the youngest so he is not real sure how he likes this waiting thing. The puppy that Mikayla is playing with in the picture is a hand puppet that barks songs when you move his mouth. She really likes this. Duke does not like this present... he barks and growls at it. He tried to attack it last night. So funny!!

I just thought both of these pictures were so cute - so I wanted to share.

Christmas Lights at Beech Bend

We went with Grandma and Grandpa to Beech Bend in Bowling Green to see the Christmas Lights on Saturday night. There was a drive- thru light display that went on for about 2 miles.
Mikayla looked at the lights but was not overly excited. Next year she will enjoy everything much more.

I think she enjoyed the animals more than anything. She did not really know what to think about them at first. But by the end, she put her hand out to pet the goats.

Random pictures

Mikayla in her new high chair- she looks like such a big girl.

In her Christmas dress. There will probably be quite a few pictures taken in this dress - everyone will probably wonder if she has any more clothes.

Her face looks about like this every time she eats!! She loves making a mess.

I just had to put this picture on here- I love this outfit!!

Thanksgiving in Lebanon

Mikayla's Six Month pictures

Santa

Mikayla visited with Santa tonight at the mall in Bowling Green. She was a little unsure about the whole situation but did not cry. She just would NOT smile- no matter what we tried. That's ok the pictures are still cute.

Mikayla and Mommy

Sharing the chair

Duke decided he wanted to share the chair with Daddy and Mikayla- so the three of them all sat in our recliner for about 30 minutes. It was funny!! True togetherness!!

Mikayla's first cookie

Mikayla ate her first teething cookie the other day. Oh my goodness- what a MESS these things make. She loved it though.

Pootie also wanted the cookie.

A little closer.

What a mess!!!

Playtime

Pootie decided she likes to watch Baby Einstein with Mikayla. One night last week we looked over and Pootie was glued to the tv.

Mikayla and Daddy had playtime on Thanksgiving morning.

She loves sitting up all by herself now - she loves her playmat and toys.

Mommy's doll baby!!

I finally figure out a way to put this on the blog. This is the video Pastor DJ made for Mikayla's dedication at church. This video was the introduction to Mikayla's story. Turn on your speakers because there is music. Enjoy.

Thanksgiving

I don't have any pictures to put up here today but I just wanted to share some things that are on my mind. Thanksgiving is upon us and that is the perfect opportunity for me to reflect on the last year of my life. The last year has been a whirlwind of emotions and happenings, some good and some not so good. I know that I do not thank God enough for what he has blessed me with in my life. I have an amazing husband, who without him, I don't know if I could have kept it together during our trials. He is my best friend in the whole world - I am soooo thankful for him. I know that I do not tell him enough thank you for just being himself and for loving me. I am SO thankful for Mikayla. She is such a miracle from above and I cannot thank God enough for her. At only 6 months old she has taught me so much about life, myself, and God. I get to spend every day with her, watching her grow, and I realize how truly blessed I am. She has the cutest little laugh and most beautiful smile - I just love her to pieces. She has surpassed every expectation of every doctor and medical professional - it is amazing. Thank you God!!! I have a wonderful family. Through our hardest times, some of our family was amazing. I am so thankful for them. Even when we received the worst reports, they never lost sight of what an amazing God we have and never let me forget that either. There are strained relationships and I pray every day to God for healing and forgiveness. I am thankful everyday for our amazing family. Next, are our unbelievable friends. We have been so blessed with the BEST friends. These people spent countless hours praying and believing in miracles when I was pregnant with Mikayla. When the doctors gave us no hope, our friends said NO WAY the doctors are right. When Mikayla was in the hospital, she had visitors that spent hours with us. Even in daily situations I have friends that I can call in the middle of the night just to vent and they are there. Thank you God for those people that you send into our lives. Lastly, is our church. The pastoral staff has been amazing to us. Anything we need they would be there. Our pastor is amazing. He has made us feel at home from day one and continues to be there. We are so thankful for all the opportunities we have been given to grow there. It is so nice to be in a place that you really feel like you belong with people that really love you and your child. I hope that I have not forgotten anything. I will probably remember more later. I love you all very much and am so thankful for everyone of you in our lives. I am also thankful for Thanksgiving Dinner - can't wait 'till Thursday.

Leshia

Daddy and his girl!!

Just wanted to put some random pictures on here since I am a slacker and have not posted anything lately. Mikayla is doing great. She is learning and doing something new every single day. We are anticipating Christmas and can't wait to see how she does.

Happy Halloween

Mikayla wanted to eat her costume more than wear it.

Here's our little duck!! She looked so cute. Did not really know what to think about the whole Halloween thing.

We went trick or treating to Uncle Philip's house - we got some good candy for Mommy and Daddy. Oops, I mean for Mikayla. Grandma and Aunt Amber were also over at Philip's helping with candy.

We went to Trunk or Treat at church tonight. It was really a good idea - safer than going door to door. People from the church just lined their cars up and filled their trunks with candy and the kids just went from car to car. This is Mikayla with her Aunt Andrea.

This is Mommy and Mikayla with Pirate Sam.

Little stinker

Just wanted to share this picture from today.