NC State Fair Madness

Ever since Jason and I moved to Wake Forest, NC everyone here always talked about the State Fair that comes to Raleigh every October. Last October our sweet neighbors J and D invited us to go with them to enjoy the craziness commonly referred to as the state fair. I was five months pregnant at the time and both couples had such a great time eating, walking around, eating some more, talking, eating again that we decided we would make this an annual tradition between the two families. Originally we were going to bring Elijah with us this year, but it just happened to work out that Nana was in town so she was kind enough to babysit for the evening. Thank goodness we did not bring him because it took us almost 2 hours from the time we left Wake Forest until we entered the fairgrounds. The traffice was crazy and there were hundreds of people walking everywhere trying to get into the fair.

As soon as we entered we did not waste anytime in finding our favorite spots to chow down. J & D have the route all planned out so we know exactly where the best fair food is and the best order to gobble all kinds of yumminess. We started out pigging out on some ham biscuits, steak on a stick and ribbon fries. Then we each ate a dill pickle while walking around the exhibits. We love looking at the decorative cakes that win the top prizes. Next we consumed cinnamon sugar donuts, fried cookie dough, and chocolate covered fruit. On the way out we stopped and picked up ham biscuits to go and sipped on hot apple cider.

Besides all of the delicious food we ate despite the mass of people everywhere we enjoyed the company of our great friends. We love J &D very much but unfortunately our lives are so busy that we do not get to see them often. But we look forward to our time at the fair each year to catch up, laugh together, eat together, and genuinely enjoy rich conversation. Who knows how many years the Lord will have us in Wake Forest but until we move you can bet that each October we will find a time to enjoy the NC State Fair with our wonderful neighbors!

Seven Months

Two weeks ago today our baby turned seven months old. Mommy was busy finishing a grad class and then we had family come in town so sorry for the delay in posting. Month seven has been so much fun and Elijah continues to grow daily. I love watching him interact with the world around him in new ways. I believe that Elijah continues to bring more joy into our family on a daily basis.

Reasons why I adore my son and milestones I want to remember:
~this was a big month for trying new foods including squash, carrots, sweet potatoes,green beans, pears, apples, bananas, and peaches along with oatmeal in the mornings
~you hate peas just like your Mommy:)
~you learned to self feed yourself peach puffs which you LOVE!
~you showed the begining signs of seperation anxiety at MOPS the 1st time but you did better when we went back this week
~going many places like the pumpkin patch, Cheesecake factory, 1st birthday party for a friend-no matter where you are you LOVE people and will smile at almost anyone
~learned to clap your hands and have started to scoot/crawl backwards

No doctor's appointment this month but I know you continue to grow as you LOVE to eat all kinds of food!

Elijah,
This month we celebrated Daddy's birthday on October 14th and you were so excited to give him your card that you wrote. When Daddy read it he had tears in his eyes of joy over the great blessing you are in his life. I echo the same thought to you sweet boy. Each day is a gift from God and we strive to show you our love in many ways. As you continue to grow older and learn to do more things never forget you will always be our firstborn. This month we have seen your personality really begin to shine when it comes to expresssing yourself and trying to get what you want. You have become very vocal and will wake up chatting and babbling talking to your sock monkeys in the crib. We love peaking in on you at night and especially in the morning and watching you sleep so sweetly. Mommy and Daddy love you son and will continue to ask God to save you at a young age. Thank you for being such a happy baby!

Love,
Mommy

Nana came to stay

This past wekeend Elijah's Nana came to visit him. Unfortunately Papa and Aunt Amy could not make the trip this time, but we will look forward to seeing them at Thanksgiving! As always the weekend flew by and we wished Nana could have stayed longer. The days were packed with lots of fun and many kisses for Elijah. Nana flew in Thursday night so one of my neighbors and I drove to RDU to pick her up. Friday morning we hung out at the house because I was watching both boys. A dear friend from years past came to visit and we all enjoyed a lovely visit with her. As I get older and now that I am a mommy I am learning to treasure friendships and truly appreciate every minute that you are able to invest in other people as time is fleeting. We loved talking for hours about our faith in God, our families, memories from yesteryear, and the incredible love of God that compels us to continue to pursue relationships and opportunities He places in our lives. While we were talking I was also able to make a delicious crockpot lasagna that was very easy!


Friday afternoon we planned to make a Sam's Club run since I knew that it would be much more difficult to take two boys by myself. Our trip was a little delayed due to the dead battery in my car. Thankfully my sweet neighbor's husband was able to jump my car so I could drive it to the shop where they kindly installed a new battery for me. Not to be deterred we were off to Sam's Club to enjoy delcious snacks and stock up on household items.  Then we returned home to enjoy the crockpot lasagna in which my mother-in-law was able to join us for dinner. After dinner Jason had to take an online final and the girls and Elijah played and went on a walk.

Saturday was a bit rough for Elijah still adjusting to eating solid foods and eliminating what he ate:) but we were still able to have a nice time with my grandmother and aunt who live in Cary. They came for an early lunch and to spend time with Elijah.

 That afternoon we celebrated with our neighbor Canon for his 1st birthday party. Happy Birthday Canon! Canon and Jason share the same birthday which is pretty special. It was great to see many friends and lots of fun was had by all. Saturday night we ventured to the NC State Fair with our neighbors while Nana babysat Elijah. We had a great time but I will write a seperate post about that.

Sunday we went to church and Elijah came home with Nana while Jason and I taught the 2 year olds. Elijah had a rough morning at church so he slept most of the afternoon and then we all got ready so we could hear Jason preach at the Nursing Home. Once again Jason did an amazing job sharing the Gospel and encouraging the residents. We came home for Elijah to enjoy his first piece of watermelon and then we all headed to bed. Monday morning I drove mom back to the airport and wished her well as she flew back to Maryland.

Thanks Nana for coming to visit we had so much fun! We love you and hope you can come visit soon! Bring Papa and Aunt Amy too next time you come!

Happy Birthday Jason!

Happy 24th Birthday Sweetheart!!! Elijah and I are so thankful that God created you and allowed you to enter this world on October 14, 1986. In honor of your special day we decided to share 24 reasons why we love you and are thankful you are the best husband/daddy in the whole world. I will share one reason and then Elijah will tell me another reason and we will switch back and forth.

Robin- you love the Lord with all of your heart, soul, mind, and strength
Elijah- loving Mommy so well
Robin- your constant pursuit of me in our marriage amazes me
Elijah- working hard to buy me diapers and many more things
Robin- providing for our family above and beyond by working many hours
Elijah- you love to play with me as soon as you get home
Robin- greeting me at the door with a hug and a kiss when you return from work
Elijah- that silly voice and facial expressions you make only for me
Robin- the way you enthusiastically play with our son
Elijah- getting me ready for bed each night before mommy feeds me
Robin-praying every day for God's grace to be evident in our lives
Elijah- kissing me ALL the time:)
Robin- tenderly correcting me when I am in sin
Elijah-taking me fun places where we can have lots of fun together
Robin-sacrificing personal hobbies so we can spend time together
Elijah-helping mommy feed me, bathe me, and take care of me when she needs a break
Robin- working full-time while attending Seminary so I can be a stay-at-home mom
Elijah- letting me laugh at your silly comments you make
Robin- desiring to lead our family spiritually in a way that honors God
Elijah-taking me on nice long walks where I can enjoy the outdoors
Robin- constantly evaluating how we are leveraging our lives for the Gospel and where we need to grow
Elijah- teaching me how to be a respectful young boy and to treat the ladies right
Robin-being my lover, best friend, prayer warrior, encourager, accountability partner, husband, and father!!!
Elijah- being the best daddy ever!!!

We love you and are SO proud of who you are and all that you do for our family. Thank you for working for us, providing for us, fighting for us, and loving us so well.
Robin and Elijah

Weekend Visit with Grandpa and Grandma

Grandpa and Grandma Purdy came to Wake Forest this past weekend to celebrate Jason's birthday and spend some quality time with their grandson. Unfortunately Jason ended up working VERY long hours both Friday and Saturday night, but on Sunday we were able to all hang out as a family. My in-laws are the best and thankfully they were able to watch Elijah on Friday night while I went out with our small group girls. Daddy was supposed to be home but he did not get home until 8:00pm:( From what I hear Elijah was spoiled rotten I mean lovingly taken care of by Grandpa and Grandma all night long. They had fun feeding him, playing with him, and just enjoying their first grandson.

On Saturday all of us hung out at the house (except Jason who was working) and had a great time playing with Elijah, visiting with one another, and watching some good fall football. I am so thankful for both my father-in-law who is the most generous person I have met and my mother-in-law who has a compassionate heart. Together they make wonderful grandparents and Elijah is blessed to have them in his life. Their daughter Kristen recently moved to Raleigh and now Elijah loves having Aunt Kristen close by to stop in for a visit or give him snuggles on the couch.

Sunday we decided to stay home from church because Jason was exhausted from his work week, a little under the weather health wise, and to finally spend time as a family! It was the PERFECT day!!! Our family of three hung out in our P.J.'s all morning eating a special breakfast, playing, putting together a puzzle, and enjoying one another's company. Then at lunch time Grandpa and Grandma came over to play and hang out with us. My mother-in-law and I ended up finding awesome deals at a children's consignment sale while all the boys stayed at the house. Once again my in-laws blessed our family of three by purchasing many winter outfits and a few toys for our son. When we got back everyone watched a movie (except Elijah who got a little restless so we went on a walk) because that is what Jason wanted to do for his birthday. That night in honor of the birthday celebration we ate dinner at Cheesecake Factory and had a great time where the food was delicious! We could not think of a better way to end the weekend enjoying great food and a special time with our family. We love the Purdy family and are so grateful they love our family of three so well!

Jason received a new GPS for his birthday which was a very needed gift now that he is driving full-time at work. Anybody that knows my husband knows what an AWESOME guy he is but directions are NOT his strongpoint:)!!!

Six Months

On Wednesday our baby turned six months old. I cannot believe that he is half-way to being a toddler and not a baby anymore! Six months ago I was in labor and about to deliver our sweet son not knowing the incredible amount of joy that he would bring into our lives. Well six months later here we are with Elijah Daniel living each day trying to make memories that will last a lifetime. Month six has continued to be one of daily change and constant growth as Elijah interacts with the world around him.

Reasons why I adore my son and milestones I want to remember:
~your laugh and smiles alone will brighten even the hardest day
~you love playing with toys that we give you
~your independence brings a smile to my face because you are taking after Mommy in this area:)
~each day you continue to interact with the world around you in a different way than when you were a baby
~you are now wearing size 3 diapers and are beginning to adjust to rice cereal and other baby foods

Stats from your doctor's appnt:
Weight-18 pounds 8 oz.
Length-27 1/2 inches

Elijah,
My sweet baby boy is half a year old and Mommy is so proud of you. Each morning when I go into your room you are dancing in your crib with a big smile on your face begging me to come rescue you! I love reaching down to get you knowing a new day has begun where I am here to take care of you, laugh with you, and get lots of smiles from you. Right now you are taking your afternoon nap and I hope you sleep for awhile because you are not feeling well. Last night was so rough and Mommy felt so sorry that there was not much she could do for you when you kept waking up. Being sick is no fun sweetheart but never forget that Mommy is here and loving you the best way she knows how with the love Jesus has given us. We are so excited to see how you will continue to grow and develop into a great man and one day husband and father to your own children.
Love,
Mommy

Five Months

Well Mommy is proud of herself she is all caught up on documenting your month-to-month posts on the blog! In two days you will turn six months old and you will be half-way to one year old when you will not be considered a baby anymore. Don't worry you will always be my baby Elijah! The first two weeks of August were busy with a few weekend trips before we would hunker down for the semester. Daddy started classes the fourth week of August so we wanted to enjoy the last few days of summer and we sure did!

Reasons why I adore my son and milestones I want to remember:
~1st sit-up while playing with Momma
~Consistently rolling over from front-to-back and back-to-front...no more leaving you alone even for a second!
~Met Mrs. Hess one of Daddy's special high school teachers
~Spent a great weekend staying with the Hesch's at Liberty University the college where Mommy and Daddy met 5 years ago
~Mommy started taking care of another little boy on Monday and Fridays and you are learning how to share:)
~Daddy started his new job which the Lord graciously provided for our family...we are SO proud of you Daddy!!!

Stats from your doctor's appnt:
We got to skip another month yay! But we do know your weight and height from another appnt that we had this month.
Weight- 17 lbs and 10 oz.
Length- 27 inches

Elijah,
This month Mommy has loved watching you and Daddy really form a solid relationship. You LOVE everything about him and want to be with him in his arms whenever he is home. Because of this new job he is able to spend quite a few hours with you each night, and I treasure the relationship you are cultivating with your Daddy. I pray that God will draw your hearts together as Daddy strives to teach you how to be a man of God. I know you are young but I hope you learn quickly how much your Daddy sacrifices for you. He wakes up early to complete schoolwork, works long hours, and goes to school on his "day off" so you and me can stay at home. I know he does all of this joyfully but I hope we will continue to look for ways to show our appreciation! Your smiles and infectious laughter sure make your Daddy's day so keep those coming. We love you Elijah Daniel and are so excited to see how God will use you one day to impact His kingdom. Keep smiling, loving people, and teaching Mommy and Daddy how to follow after Jesus every day.
Love,
Mommy