Big News!

We are expecting a new addition to our family in June.

Meeting Baby George Thomas

Houston loved spending time with his new cousin, George Thomas, over Thanksgiving.

Kisses

He needs his passie.

Hugs

Trick or Treat

We have a big Halloween fan on our hands!

Houston really enjoyed dressing up as Big Al, and was fascinated by the fact that he could carry around a basket and people would give him stuff. When someone answered the door, he continued to pick candy out of their basket until we pried him away.

He loved getting visitors at our door and seeing the costumes. In fact, bedtime didn't go so well because he wanted to stay up and help with giving out the candy.

Roll Tide!

Rock Climbing

We have a climber on our hands.

We are so proud of him!

Houston's Hero

Our good friend from college, Charlie, has shown tremendous determination and drive in all aspects of his life, including his academics, career, and athletics. Like Houston, he has fibular hemimelia. The condition affects Charlie in both legs.

The two met back in December and we are thankful that Houston has such a great role model in Charlie.

Over the past few months, Charlie has been training for the US Paralympic team. We have committed to attending the London games to root him on!

See this video that highlights his training efforts - as well as Houston's future college - Millsaps! The news article can be found here.

Houston's First Day

Today was Houston's first day with his sitter,

Ms. Becky, and her sweet kids.

Houston had lots of fun!

Wagon ride to drop the big kids off at the bus

Morning Snack

Playing with the Elmo Remote

Pretending the Elmo remote was a telescope

Time for a long nap!

(This is one of the few pictures that I have of Houston sleeping.

I have never been brave enough to open the door. Thanks Ms. Becky!!)

17 Months Old

Houston is 17 months old! Here are a few things that he has been up to lately.

-His newest trick is to walk around in circles until he is dizzy.

-Houston loves to make us laugh. We have to be careful about what we laugh at now. ;)

-Houston loves drinking out of cups at restaurants. He is so excited to be a big boy that he would rather drink his water than eat his food.

-Houston is learning to use a fork.

-Houston has some new words: car, bubbles, ball

-Houston is in love with Sesame Street. It is the only TV show that he will watch. We also have to read his Elmo book every day.

-Houston loves to walk outside and get the paper. He has to carry it by himself. Then, he sits on the kitchen floor to read it. He doesn't like it if Daddy wants to read it first.

-Houston wants to learn how to put on his leggie. He tries to put it on the wrong leg sometimes. He has also tried to put a shoe on his nubbie. =)

It is hard to believe that next month my baby will be a year and a half old. How time flies!

Hilton Head

We just returned from a fun week on Hilton Head Island.

Here are a few pictures.

There are lots more on the Kirksters site.

Be sure to watch the "story time" video. It is hilarious.

http://web.mac.com/kirksters/Kirksters/Welcome.html

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day!

Houston has the best dada in the world!

What A Difference A Year Makes

Houston loves to go to the park with his friend, Audrey.

It is amazing how much they have grown over the past year.

Houston and Audrey -- Summer 2008

Audrey and Houston -- Summer 2009

wwwweeee!!!!!!!

15 months old

Houston is 15 months old today! Here are a few things that he has been up to lately.

*He is walking everywhere!!! He can even stand up in the middle of the room by himself. =)

*He stacks 4-5 blocks on top of each other. If it falls over, he is not a happy camper.

*His new words are squirrel (pronounced quirrel), bye-bye, girl (all kids are girls), and all done.

*He likes to help me load the dishwasher with the clean tupperware out of the cabinet. 

*He LOVES his teddy bear. It gets more hugs and kisses than we do. 

*He loves to read books especially Clifford and books with animals.

*He loves to watch the sea lion show at the zoo. He points and claps the whole time. 

Fun at the Beach

We enjoyed a long weekend at the beach with the Houston family. Here are a few pictures.

Walking

We are so excited that Houston is walking! Check out the video.

http://web.mac.com/kirksters/Kirksters/Movies.html

14 months old

It is hard to believe that Houston is already 14 months old! It is so much fun watching him learn new things. Here are a few things that little man has been up to lately.

*He loves to play outside. When it is time to come inside, he starts crying. 

*He has finally started waving bye-bye, but he usually waits until the person can't see him any more before he waves.

*He has started taking a few steps by himself. He stops to clap for himself after the first step. 

*He is obsessed with light switches and buttons. Yes, my 14 month old already wants to push the buttons in the elevator. 

*He is an animal lover. He loves to stand at the window and look for birds, squirrels, cats, and dogs. 

*He is learning sign language. He knows the sign for "more," but I think it means "FOOD" in Houston's world.

*He loves for mom and dad to stack blocks so that he can knock it over. He sits there giggling the whole time. 

*It has taken two months, but his first molar is finally here.  Unfortunately, his gums are swollen because his incisors and more molars are on the way.

Fun in the Sun

Playing at his sand and water table

Helping Daddy plant flowers

Mowing the yard

Easter

Here are a few pictures from Easter. We will post more on the Kirksters site. 

Houston's Easter Basket

The Easter Bunny brought Houston a Sarah Bear. She has a leggie too.

Playing with Easter Eggs

Our Family

Nana and Pops