How it all began

Ralph and I have been together since the summer of 2008 but it all began in 1992. Ralph's sister, Colleen and I have been best friends since 6th grade and we grew up at each other's houses throughout the years. Ralph was always around but being the younger brother was forbidden to be around us (not that he wanted to make up dances with us). We said hi during high school and when I needed a jersey to wear to school on Fridays, Ralph was nice enough to let me wear his. He visited Kent State while I was there once to look at the football team and campus but decided against attending. He joined the Marine Corps and we spoke through emails every now and then just to see how the other was doing. Life went on and our paths finally crossed again in 2008 when Colleen invited me to their families yearly 4th of July party. Ralph was home on leave from Iraq and I just moved back to Cincinnati. This time when we saw each other things seemed a little different and the rest is history. In December 2011 we were engaged, July 2012 we were married, April 2013 we bought our first house and March 2014 we had our first child, Braxten! Each year has been more blessed than the last and we are so excited to see where our future takes us!

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Four Month Update

Braxten went to the doctor today and is still super healthy!!! 
Weight: 15lb 3oz (37th percentile)
Length: 25 inches (32nd percentile)
His head circumference is in the 20th percentile

         He is growing right on schedule! The doctor was impressed with the improvement of his neck movement, he is able to look all the way to the left now. His neck is getting much stronger as he has more tummy time and he has become more and more curious. When we sit outside he has begun to watch cars drive in and out of the neighborhood and is completely entertained by Rocky. He is giggling more and more which in turn makes us smile every time. Braxten blows bubbles constantly and has started to recognize our faces and voices. There is nothing better than the moment he realizes who you are - his face lights up and so does ours! We continually feel blessed by everything he does.

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

4 months!!!!





We don't go to the doctor until next week but I am officially 4 months old today! Aunt Sara tells my parents that this month things get easier (not that they have been that difficult - I am an amazing kid!) So far today I have refused to nap and want to eat every 3 hours instead of 3.5-4... hmmmm. :) I have taught myself to sit up today. Mommy and I were in the garage since it was raining and I surprised her when she looked away for a second - she looked back and I was sitting up! I still love to stand - Popo thinks I will be walking in a few months. I am becoming more curious as I grab what is in my lap but I don't reach for things yet. Mommy and Daddy love me more each day and they look forward to seeing what my future brings!






Monday, July 21, 2014

Colin got Baptized July 20th

 Cousin Colin was baptized today at Crossroads church. It was a great service and prayer spoken just for him. The word that Aunt Colleen and Uncle Nate chose to best describe Colin was loving, it truly is the most fitting name for an amazing little boy. We love you Colin!

Ready to meet more family July 13th


 Daddy's family had a reunion today at Woodland Mound, I wore my plaid outfit that Mommy loves so much! It was a hit. Although I did not get a picture with Bobby and Sandy from Florida, they were thrilled to meet me! They sure are great people.


First Reds Game!!!


 Braxten's First Red's Game July 7th, 2014







Braxten made it through most of his first Reds game, Reds vs Cubs! There was a rain delay in the middle and he made the best of it with a short nap. Without that delay he would have made it the whole time! He loved watching the big screen and looking at all of the people. We think this may be an activity that he ends up really enjoying since he gets to be outside and stare at lots of people. He is one observant kid. Even though we left early the Reds won - it was a great night! Thanks Missi and Pop for thinking of us with free tickets!







Monday, July 7, 2014

July 5th Family Fun!

 What a great day!!! I woke up a happy boy but got impatient waiting for all of the fun at the pool. I cried most of the morning until we got to Mamaw and Popo's house! I fell asleep on the way there and took a short 20 minute nap before wanting to eat. I hung out with Aunt Colleen, Uncle Nate, Zoe, Cooper, Colin, Missi, Pop, Uncle Branden, Amanda, Kathleen, Wes, Donna, Maureen and of course Mamaw and Popo. Paul and Erin came a bit later so I got to meet a few more people! I would not nap inside there because I would rather be in my swing outside with everyone. Mommy and Daddy introduced me to the pool too! I loved it after getting used to it. I rode in a little boat and then fell asleep on Mommy, that water is so relaxing! We played all day and then Daddy and Wes set off some fireworks. I wasn't afraid but something went wrong with one of the fireworks and it ended up shooting towards the crowd and the house - everyone ran for cover but no one got hit! It left for a funny story that we will continue to talk about for years!
Daddy and Me

                               Rocky                                                 Mommy and Me

 Jack
Kathleen and Cooper
              










                     

                       Missi's Jello - Yum!

                           I love Aunt Colleen
My parents love me!

                                                    Kathleen, Cooper and Zoe



July 4th

Daddy and I had the day together and went to Mamaw and Popo's for a bit seeing some cousins swim while swinging in my swing outside! We then went to a friend's cottage to meet a lot of Daddy's friends! I was happy all day and made many of the women want to start a family :) Mommy got off work 2 hours early and came home to feed me and put me to bed. They enjoyed the warm evening by grilling out and sitting on the deck watching the few fireworks that were put off around them. Even though there were a few loud booms I kept on sleeping!