Looking back...

Recently, I have been feeling very sentimental about having another little one in the family. It's just that after almost 3 years of having Hunter exclusively, it's hard to imagine our family any other way. I know the minute that Baby Blake arrives, I will not be able to imagine it any way without him. I know ultimately this is one of the greatest gifts that we can give Hunter and Blake- the gift of having a sibling and on top of that, a brother.

I hope that my boys will always be close. I know reality will stand true- there will be sibling rivalry, they will have to "duke it out" over some things, they will irritate, frustrate and exasperate each other. But over all of those typical sibling moments, I hope that they will develop a love for each other that reaches no bounds. I hope they will love doing things together, that they would have great experiences that will create lasting memories, that they learn to value family and faith and grow to be men that are not afraid to lead.

I've been reading and re-reading Shepherding a Child's Heart by Tedd Trip. It's very convicting about the impact of our parenting and how truly eternal my perspective should be in regards to the daily ins and outs of life. It has made me realize that our approach to this tremendous task of parenting these boys is to stay immersed in the Scripture. It's overwhelming, convicting and humbling all at the same time.

This ended up being more deep than I intended... so, on my sentimental note, here is a look back at Hunter at 9 months,

at 21 months...

and at 2 1/2 plus a couple of months.

2 months from now...

...We will be welcoming a new baby boy into the family. The official date has been set for the induction! As of now, it is planned for Monday, November 17th! We could not be more excited to have an actual date to circle on the calendar.

Also, we have decided on the name....

Blake Taylor Jones

My doctor decided 2 weeks ago at my last appointment to go ahead and schedule his arrival since the days before Thanksgiving are crazy apparently up in Labor and Delivery. Seeing as Hunter arrived 2 hours after we arrived at the hospital and a mere 3 or so hours after labor started, she wants to be on the safe side. Me too! The 17th is actually 2 weeks from what we finally decided as the official due date. Apparently, I had 3 due dates this time around. November 30th based on my dates, December 4 based on early sonograms, and November 26 based on the 20 week sonogram. She decided to err on the side of caution and make the due date be in the middle of those- so Nov. 30th.

We can't wait to meet you Baby Blake! He's already quite the mover and kicker- I can't remember if Hunter was this energetic. I have a feeling he's going to be a fun little guy.

Today marks 30 weeks- so only 8 to go! I wish I dressed up more and wore some make up for these pics, but here goes... this is me at 30 weeks. Camera was on a timer, so again, it's not completely centered, but you get the idea.

The Beach!

We had the best time in Port A- just the 3 of us! We headed out Sunday morning and arrived just in time to grab a late lunch and make it to the beach that very afternoon. We stuffed ourselves silly at Virginia's and enjoyed sitting and watching the sunset over the marina.

Daddy and Hunter on the ferry ride over. Hunter was in awe- a little speechless.

Our first family picture that first afternoon. Daddy, Hunter and Mommy!

Hunter's 1st sandcastle... pre-destruction. That's all he wanted to do once you built something, just smash it!

I think this will be a blow up picture- so cute! Hunter warmed up more and more to the waves each day. By the last day, he was running out ahead of us, wanting to jump over the waves.

Daddy and Hunter having a great time. Hunter would wrap his arm around Chris' shoulder and pat him like he was the one reassuring him that "It's ok."

The boys on the hunt for sand crabs Monday night. I was not included in the adventure on Tuesday night.

Off they go...

Having a great time looking! He loved having control of the flashlight best!

Posing by my sand sign- Hunter 2008! Thought it'd be a fun pic to get each year when we go.

1st Day of School for Hunter

Today was a big day in our household. A true first in Hunter's life... his first day of school. We attended the Open House on Friday to meet his teachers and check out his classroom. Hunter immediately went to the box of trains and cars and played, barely making eye-contact with his teachers. Meanwhile, I chatted with his teachers, who I really liked, signed up to volunteer at classroom celebrations, looked through the folder of information, etc. Daddy came with us to the Open House, and every once and awhile, Hunter would look up at him and say, "Daddy, you're not leaving?" just to check and make sure we weren't there to jump ship!

BEFORE OPEN HOUSE... so cute!



We spent the Labor Day weekend at the lake- a mini-trip up there. The boys had a blast riding the wave runner and swimming in the water. Hunter was braver this time and attempted to "swim" back and forth to us in the water in his life jacket.

WATER BUG



We talked up school as much as we could. I would remind him that he gets to go to chapel, music, have circle time and playtime, and even play on the playground. On top of that, he was going to eat his lunch that mommy packed him in his new Lightening McQueen lunchbox! Cool! He was all good with that, but still would say to me, "But you're not leaving me there?" "Well, but Mommy will be back right after you eat your lunch to get you."

I texted Nancy, my aunt who teaches at the church, and she texted me back while they were in chapel "We are in chapel. He is doing great. He's very serious." You know Hunter, he does not want to sing for anything. Apparently he liked kicking out his new shoes to take a look at them, sat next to a precious little girl and had his arm around her at one point (oh great!) and did what he was supposed to do. After that, I received a call that he was having a great time banging with a hammer on the tool table in the classroom. Sounds like a great day to me!

CLASSIC FIRST DAY PICTURES... MANY MORE TAKEN... and in true Stouffer style, even some video!


M-OM!




OFF and RUNNING


CHECKING OUT THE ACTIVITY FROM AFAR


The drop off went smoothly- I only saw a little lip tremble from Hunter. Of course, I was worse off because once I walked outside and saw friends and was asked how I was doing, the tears started. I was able to kick into high gear and accomplish a lot in the time that I had...
HEB shopping for the week... check
Unload groceries.... check
Once over clean in the house and vacuum entire house... check
Run some paperwork to Chris' office... check
Water plants and take in papers at Mom and Dad's... check
A quick and indulgent Starbucks run... check
Run to vacuum out my tank, I mean car... check
Still manage to be 10 minutes early in the parking lot to pick up my best buddy!... check!

Great day!