Marriage Promises

While in Charleston we ate at this famous, 5 generation restaurant called Hyman's Seafood. Also part of the business: a general store and Aaron's Deli located on either side. The restaurant had a lot of personality and one of the owners personally came by and gave Christian a voucher for a free ice cream (or as C would say "i".) Anyway, on the tables and in the bathrooms were these little inspirational cards about growing old, soldiers, marriage, etc. Steve and I thought the advice on the marriage card was right on:

50 Promises for Marriage (by Steve Stephens)

1. Start each day with a kiss.
2. Wear your wedding ring at all times.
3. Date once a week.
4. Accept differences.
5. Be polite.
6. Be gentle.
7. Give gifts.
8. Smile often.
9. Touch.
10. Talk about dreams.
11. Select a song that can be “our song.”
12. Give back rubs.
13. Laugh together.
14. Send a card for no reason.
15. Do what the other person wants before he or she asks.
16. Listen.
17. Encourage.
18. Do it his or her way.
19. Know his or her needs.
20. Fix the other person’s breakfast.
21. Compliment twice a day.
22. Call during the day.
23. Slow down.
24. Hold hands.
25. Cuddle.
26. Ask for each other’s opinion.
27. Show respect.
28. Welcome the other person home.
29. Look your best.
30. Wink at each other.
31. Celebrate birthdays in a big way.
32. Apologize.
33. Forgive.
34. Set up a romantic getaway.
35. Ask, “What can I do to make you happier?”
36. Be positive.
37. Be kind.
38. Be vulnerable.
39. Respond quickly to the other person’s request.
40. Talk about your love.
41. Reminisce about your favorite times together.
42. Treat each other’s friends and relatives with courtesy.
43. Send flowers every Valentine’s day and anniversary.
44. Admit when wrong.
45. Be sensitive to each other’s sexual desires.
46. Pray for each other daily.
47. Watch sunsets together.
48. Say “I love you” frequently.
49. End the day with a hug.
50. Seek outside help when needed.

"Naw-Naw" and "Baba's" Visit

This past week we enjoyed a great visit from my parents. They flew in on the 16th just in time for Christian's 2nd birthday on Saturday. Locally we enjoyed a visit to Swan Lake, Palmetto Park, and Baker's Sweets. Steve and my dad went on base a couple of times to play golf. And on Saturday evening the boys (minus the little one) attended the USC vs. Navy game.Monday through Thursday we enjoyed Charleston! This was our 3rd time, but my parents' first time to visit. We stayed at the Ansonborough Inn (because we love the location, and relative affordability) and enjoyed some new sites. On Tuesday morning we took a boat over to Fort Sumter where the civil war began in 1861. The 30 minute ferry ride was enjoyable and it was exciting to see dolphins both along the side of the boat and looking out into Charleston Harbor from the Fort. (Steve and C were also thrilled to see some C-17's flying back to Charleston AFB.) So glad that we were able to take the ferry and see Fort Sumter, such an interesting part of American history. Tuesday afternoon we went on a horse-drawn carriage tour around Charleston looking at historic sites and houses along Rainbow Row. We weren't sure how Christian would fare, but he seemed to enjoy "Luke" the horse and sitting in momma's lap...plus it helped that Nana was giving him mints (which she is now known for.) I especially enjoyed this tour, something different and we had a great guide.Wednesday morning my dad was able to play golf at the Kiawah Island Golf Resort, while my mom, Steve, Christian, and I ventured around the pier (C was looking for whales,) Battery Park (White Point Gardens,) and the King Street shops. Wednesday evening my Dad and Steve toured the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon (something Steve and I saw on our first visit) while my mom, C, and I perused Charleston City Market and some additional shops. Yes, I would say we definitely had a very busy visit in Charleston. Oh, and did I mention the food? We tried some new (to us) restaurants including: the Noisy Oyster, East Bay Deli, Tommy Condons, and Hymans Seafood. And of course, a few Starbucks drinks and praline samples. :o) We headed back to Sumter on Thursday and my parents left on Friday morning. Though it was a week long visit, it seemed to go by so quickly. Gah! Don't you just hate that? Thanks for the special memories "Naw-naw and "Ba-ba!"

25 Weeks

25 weeks, 15ish to go. I am still feeling well, but am noticing the challenge of bending over and getting comfortable at night. Also, Christian has been especially clingy lately, only wanting Momma to hold him which is becoming increasingly more difficult. I am not sure if Christian understands all that is happening and that his world will change significantly at the beginning of the New Year. We are excited though, and pray that Christian and his little brother will have a special relationship in the years to come.
(Compare to weeks 24 and 26 with Christian)

Christian is Two

It's hard to believe that our baby is 2 years old! I know I always say this, but the time just flies by.

We cannot get enough of our sweet, bubbly little boy. Always full of energy, galloping, running, and jumping around the house. On many occasions he has made me catch my breath, but he always gets up, hardly fazed by his risky stunts....the life of a boy, I guess I had better get used to it. :o)

Christian is talking more and more, and especially enjoys socializing with other children. He has been going to a "Parents Morning Out" preschool-type setting one day a week, 9-noon, and I can already see how he is learning and growing. (Mom enjoys the little break too.)

Though normally not the most fabulous eater, Christian must be going through a growth spurt because he has been eating better and more variety lately. He weighs 27 pounds 6 ounces, and is 35.5 inches tall.

Christian's favorite toys and activities include: whales, balls, sidewalk chalk, walks and wagon rides, his "Woody" toy from Disney Pixar's "Toy Story" (that daddy bought him,) books, airplanes, and his shape sorting barn.

"Na-na" and "Ba-ba" flew into South Carolina on the 16th to celebrate Christian's birthday. We enjoyed a simple time with family, cake, presents, and candles...and then took a fun trip to Charleston. (Post to come.) Basically, Christian's birthday celebration seemed to spread through the entire week.

Happy Birthday big boy! We are so thankful for you and the light that you bring into our lives. :o)

Football Season

Lots of fall football in "R" household. We have enjoyed going to Jana Marie's (our neighbor and sweet friend) JV games to watch her cheer. We have also enjoyed two relaxing Saturday's of college football at Leigh's condo in Columbia which literally backs up to the USC stadium- such a fun getaway, but yet only 40 minutes away. I know Steve is especially enjoying the time with friends since he missed out on all the fun last year due to his deployment. And Christian is always thrilled to get out and about and to receive attention from others :) Fall football is a special pastime for me. Such fond memories. What about you? What teams are you rooting for?

Christian and JM

Christian and Leigh enjoying some good ol' southern boiled peanuts before the South Carolina vs. Georgia game. Both C and Steve like boiled peanuts...I'm still not too sure.

"The LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace."

~Numbers 6:25-26

Wagon Walks

This boy loves walks. Especially in a wagon. Even if it's not meant for toting around kiddos.

Daddy's Helper

Christian absolutely loves his daddy, and is eager to "help" him with any project in and around the house. Below are pictures of Christian helping Daddy replace the spark plugs on the Civic. (Steve is becoming quite the car mechanic. Just last night he replaced his air filtration system.) I cannot wait for when Christian can help with other fun jobs around the house...litter box...yes please!

Drum Roll Please....It's a...

Today we were thrilled to learn the exciting news that we will be having another BOY! When we were pregnant with Christian both Steve and I had the feeling that it was a boy, but this time we were very unsure. My guess was a boy, but I didn't expect it in the same way I did with C. It was very special to have Steve there this time for the ultrasound (Steve was at a 4 month training at Fort Bragg with Christian) not just to learn the baby's gender, but to see the awesome images on the screen and to see the sweet little mannerisms and movement of the baby.

The technician was very thorough and took lots of time with us. Because the baby was facing toward my back, she had a hard time getting a shot of his right arm and profile so we will get to have another ultrasound in a month- hooray for that! (Hopefully I will have some better pictures then.) The baby is looking very healthy, weighing in at a little over a pound and his measurements put him right on time for my due date of January 8. We are so thankful for this sweet little blessing!

Christian and Evalee

It's about time that I wrote an official post about Christian and his sweet little friend, Evalee. I have posts however, from the past year here, here, here, and here. By far, Evalee is C's favorite little person. :o) He squeals whenever he sees her, and the two play so well together. They are only two weeks apart in age, and met shortly before their first birthdays, making Evalee Christian's oldest friend. Ashley (Evalee and Ruby Claire's mommy) and the girls will be moving to Charleston to be closer to family while their daddy is deployed. We are so bummed that we will not be able to see them as often, but are hoping to visit them as much as we can (especially during Steve's future TDY's.)