I couldn't get these pictures to post yesterday

Rebecca (my cousin) and Hampton

















Charles is still enamored with Hampton.



















Poppy and Hampton




































Gran and Hampton



































We miss you Uncle Drew

We're Baaaack

Obviously, a long time has passed since my last real post. Drew has moved back to OK and for the first time ever, it's just the three of us. We were sad to see "UD" leave, but glad to know that there is a small possibility that he will be back next summer for another internship. Living in our house a year from now is bound to be very different...Hampton will be 1 :(.







Hampton loves his Uncle Drew










Hampton, Ben and I went to Tennessee at the end of July to visit family. Ben's trip was super fast, we went on Friday evening and he left on Sunday afternoon, but he enjoyed seeing everyone even for such a short time. Hampton and I got to stay until Wednesday night! Saturday and Sunday were jam-packed with family. Everyone wanted their turn to hold Hampton...I don't think Johnny and Rosie held him at all the first 2 days. Ben's aunt and uncle, Wally and Kay, made the trip from Columbia to see us which meant the world to Ben. We had a big "supper-lunch" on Sunday...everyone ate at Johnny and Rosies after church. I don't think I saw Hampton for about 2+ hours...he was passed from loving arms to more loving arms. Hampton and I spent some time in Nashville visiting my aunts, uncle, cousins and Gran Connie. It was so much fun to introduce them to Hampton. I always enjoy getting to visit my Nashville family on trips to TN. Our 2 days in Cookeville after Ben left were relaxing. We spent the mornings at the pool and the afternoons resting and visiting with Rosemary and Candice. They are truly a blessing in my life!!! I loved watching Anna Kathryn, Isabelle and Carrigan interact with Hampton. They are precious girls who show their love in many different ways. What a blessing that we are all different and beautiful in our own way.


4 Generations
Johnny (Ben's dad)
Papa (Ben's granddad)
Ben and Hampton












Hampton and Ma - Ben's grandmother













Meeting Wally and Kay












Matt and Tiffany
















Sweet Cousins


At Gran and Poppy's pool












Since we have been home from TN, things have been pretty normal. Hampton is sleeping well day and night. Often times he sleeps 7-8 hours through the night, but occationally needs to eat sooner. He loves having his diaper changed, I think because he likes to be naked. He gets his arms and legs going, smiles and talks like crazy on his changing table. Mornings are so much fun for me. He wakes up cooing and always smiles at me when I get him out of his crib. Yes, he is sleeping in his own room now. It was an easy transition for him...he can sleep anywhere. I, on the other hand, had a hard time moving him...even though it is just across the hall. I know he is only 3 months old, but it is already hard for me to admit that he is growing up. I remember when he was first born thinking that he would never be able to wear 0-3 month clothes...now he is out growing them. Ben and I truly love him more with each new day. He has started grabbing things and Daddy thinks it is so funny when he grabs my hair and won't let go. He has quite a strong grip:). He gets excited to play with his "flutter bug," a very stimulating toy, and even plays with it in his carseat by himself. He still isn't a fan of tummy time, but I am finding new ways to distract him so that he still gets his neck and back workout several times a day.

We have seen Jonathan and Ashlee a few times lately. Emerson is especially interested in Hampton and honstly seems very at ease holding him. Sadie is not super interested, but definitely wanted her turn to hold him. Campbell...is already scared of him:). He is not interested at all. We couldn't even convince him to give Hampton a gentle kiss on the head. Campbell is so fun to watch. He is all boy...a taste of what's ahead I'm sure. We are having a slumber party at J and A's this weekend. We decided that everytime we go visit, we drive about 2 hours, so why not make it a weekend "trip." The boys are going to play golf early Saturday morning. We are looking forward to it!!!































I have always heard people say that being a mom is so rewarding, but I never could have imagined what a blessing it could be. I am overwhelmed by His grace daily as I seek to reer Hampton to be a man of God. Left to myself, I would totally destroy this kid, but through prayer, Ben and I are confident that the Lord will fill in our gaps. Like the grandmother says in Hope Floats...
"My cup runneth over."

I'm a blog slacker...I know, but I'm not using my computer right now and therefore, do not have any new pics to share. I have a hard time posting if I can't share pictures.

Hampton is such a smiley boy these days. He is sleeping at least 7 hours a night, but often wakes himself up to...you know...forcefully go to the bathroom. I usually just feed him when he wakes up, but last night I coaxed him into going back to sleep...he slept another 2 1/2 hours. It's amazing what a "full night's sleep" can do for a person. He is holding his head up really well and I have increased his tummy time...I'm afraid of "The Flat Head." I also know that tummy time is crucial to his development. He is growing too fast. I already feel like I'm losing my baby boy :(.

The big 2 months

Hampton is 2 months old today. We started the day with church. We haven't taken him to the nursery yet, so he sits with us. He does so well...even when he is awake :) He wore a cute outfit from Janie and Jack that Gran and Poppy gave him...THANKS GRAN AND POPPY...we can't wait to see you. Ben had to set up for a trade show after church, so Hampton and I napped, did laundry, cleaned the kitchen and changed the sheets...super fun stuff!


Hampton has started getting pretty fussy during his last feeding before he goes to bed. I cannot figure out what is wrong. It breaks me heart...he will eat well for about 5 minutes and then freak out. His arms and legs start going crazy, he grabs onto my shirt, necklace or hair and pulls...hard, it's amazing how strong he is. After his arms and legs are all worked up, he pulls away, his face turns red and he cries. He tries to eat through the cries, but just can't. When I put him on my shoulder/upright, he calms down. When he calms down he will eat a little bit more and then the process starts again. Eventually he will crash right in the middle of a freak out. I feel bad because I know Drew and Ben wish I could make it stop...so do I. I have tried everything I know to do. Tonight we tried a bottle and he did better. Tomorrow I'm going to go straight to a bottle and see if that is even better. The hard part is that it is so out of character for him. He is usually so laid back and very rarely fussy. I am thinking it may be his tummy. Please, pray for our sweet boy.

8 Weeks

Can you believe he is already 8 weeks old? He has started to smile quite a bit but it is hard to catch on camera.

As you can see he has discovered his tongue and loves to play with it. He makes some of the greatest faces!

He is rapidly gaining weight and his face is becoming rounder. My mom was here Wednesday night and kept Hampton while we went out for our aniversary...THANKS MOM!!! She says he has changed a ton since she saw him last. I can't wait for Johnny and Rosie to see how much he has changed since the last time they say him!

Every morning we go into Ben's office to say good morning after Hampton's mid-morning feeding. He love his daddy and is all smiles when Ben talks to him.

I took this picture while I was talking to him. So many times I really feel he has something to tell me.

He is very responsive to my voice and will watch me walk as I pass him. Being a mom and being needed and loved by your child is such a precious blessing! I am so honored to be God's perfect mommy for Hampton!

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY

Hampton's first Forth of July was pretty uneventful. The four of us went to Red, Hot and Blue for some Memphis style BBQ in honor of the festivities at the farm. Drew went out with friends for dinner while Ben and I had PB&J at home. Later that night Hampton went to his first movie...IceAge II. He did great, but didn't sleep a wink :). Here are some pictures in such a "big boy" outfit...he looks so big to me. He's the only patriotic one!

Hampton meets more family :)

Great Gran Connie

(my mom's mom)

Poppa Jack

(my mom's uncle)

Moppy

(my mom's aunt)

The Whole Crew (minus Ben)

We had our first traumatic event...

I caught Hampton's tummy in the zipper of his pj's :(

What kind of careless mommy would do that to her child?!? I have never heard him scream like that before. It was definitely an "I'm in pain" cry. It broke my heart, but is already looking better than it did yesterday.

Hampton has a pretty bad rash on his face, so this isn't his best look :) Do any of you experienced moms have a cure?

See the 2 red dots above Ben's finger?

Hampton's First Trip to Colorado

Last Wednesday we embarked on our first big journey...we went to Colorado with Hampton. We left late Wednesday night and flew to Amarillo where my parents picked us up. We drove all night and arrived in Lake City, Colorado at 10 o'clock mountain time. That's 14 hours of traveling with a 5 week old baby. If it were any other kid, it could have been extremely difficult...but Hampton was AWESOME. He slept pretty much the whole trip, but enjoyed his stretch time when we stopped for gas. I can't imagine sitting in a car seat that long! What a champ!!!

We went to CO for my lifelong friend Cody Ashmore's wedding. She and her fiance met one summer while they both lived in Lake City, so it was only fitting that they get married there. It was a busy weekend for me because I was in the wedding. We spent most of the day Thursday catching up on sleep from the long drive. Friday was busy with wedding events...bridal luncheon, rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. Hampton spent the day with my mom while Ben and my dad fly fished. The wedding was Saturday afternoon in a tiny chapel near the top of a mountain. It was beautiful and Cody's dress was perfect for a mountain wedding! The reception was in a huge tent in the meadow near their cabin. It was so much fun! Ben and I impressed everyone with our dancing ability while Hampton, of course, slept...in his car seat. He really is a dream child.

How I found my mom and Hampton after the luncheon.

Rehearsal

Cody's Wedding party

Hampton ate at the rehearsal Dinner too.

Jeremy, Cody and Auggie (the ring bearer)

At the reception

Hampton at the reception (and how he spent most of the trip)

We really enjoyed all the wedding festivities, but when it was all over, we spent the afternoon playing near a mountain lake. That's what Colorado is all about. Hampton slept in my mom's lap...My dad, Ben and I threw and skipped rocks...and Ben destroyed a beaver dam (entertaining his obsession with moving water). I tried to stop him from tearing down the dam that the beavers worked to hard to build, but he continued to destruct. When he got tired, we all watched as the water level dropped right before our eyes. It wasn't long before the beavers came out of their den to see what in the world was going on. So sad for the beaver, but so cool to watch him assess the damage.

Ben disturbing nature

Our sweet family of THREE

Hampton did just as great on the trip home ALL DAY Monday...until we were putting him in the car at Love Field. I guess he let loose of all the tears he had been storing up. I'm sure he was ready to be home! Today has been a little trying as we are attempting to get Hampton back on his schedule. Right now he is sleeping hard with the occational Stites outburst. He goes right back to sleep though.

Hampton and Daddy in the thriving Amarillo airport

We are so grateful for my parent's help on this trip...it would have been extremely tough without them!
Hampton is a continual reminder of the Lord's grace and sacrifice. We praise His name for the blessing of our child!

WOW

I cannot believe that Hampton is already 1 month old! Time has flown by since he was born, but at the same time...if feels like ages ago that we were unexpectedly informed that we weren't "leaving the hospital until we had a baby." He has been such fun for us both. Ben is a huge help and has even volunteered to give Hampton a bottle during a few weekend late night feedings. For the most part, Hampton is like an alarm clock during the day...eating every 3 hours, but at night I let him sleep until he wakes up hungry. He usually goes one stretch of about 5 hours (11pm to 4am). IF I go to bed right after his last feeding, I feel rested the next day...I tend to get a second wind about that time though and don't sleep the full 5 hours. Hampton is most definitely a night owl. He sleeps between all his feedings during they day, but doesn't sleep from about 5 to 11. Since Ben and I are both night owls, it works out well!

Friday was Hampton's first "month day." His eye has been red and weepy/watery. I have had a few eye irritations/infections lately, so I was concerned I had passed one to him. I took him to the doctor just to pay her $20 to tell me he had a clogged tear duct (aka your kid is fine you moron...pay me and go home). Emily and Kent came over to celebrate and even brought a cake...that said "Go Mavs."

They brought an awesome steak dinner for us which aparently turned into a boys slumber party...Emily and I got sucked into a little late night my space exploring!


During Hampton's evening play time, he loves the play mat that Cody gave him...lots of things to see and lots of bright colors! He has even started reaching out for some of the toys. Some times he gets a little sleepy though :)

This week Hampton got his first bottle from Uncle Drew, but we can't convince him to change a diaper yet. While feeding him, Drew was very concerned about getting any of that "milk" on his hands...I think he has the same fear as Ashley McCaleb. He did a great job and seems to have the hang of it (notice the remote and concentration on the World Cup). He is such a proud uncle...his first priority when he comes in from work is Hampton :). They are fun to watch together.


We have been concentrating on tummy time and strengthening those neck muscles, but he usually much prefers the swing that Jack and Mary gave him. Thanks guys!!!!!

Candice, I think you're the only person who reads my blog...or at least your the only one who posts comments.

More Pictures

He seems like such a big boy to me, even though he is still wearing preemie clothes :) I can't figure out how he is close to 8 lbs and still wearing "up to 5 lbs" clothing. Ben asked me last night if I had considered that Hampton might always be a shrimp. I think he's worried about our kid. I'm confident he will catch up...someday.

My dad with Hampton after he fed him a bottle. He is so proud of his grand son. I have really enjoyed watching the joy on my dad's face when he is around Hampton. Dad doesn't get to hold Hampton as much as he would like I'm sure...

Aunt B and Charles.

Charles has been so excited about Hampton joining the family...he isn't the youngest anymore. He wrote a story in school about his new cousin...he is so proud.

This is my G'ma...one of Hampton's 2 great-grandmothers. She was surprisingly great with him and of course thought he was beautiful.

I just can't get enough of his kissable face!

It's about time

It has been quite some time since I have posted anything...sorry. We are all doing great and Hampton is growing like crazy and is well over 7 lbs now. He is staying awake more and has started to cry a lot more often than before. He hardly cried before he was 3 weeks old and only cries now when something is wrong. He has had pretty bad tummy aches lately and gets so worked up he turns all shades of red and purple. He wakes up to eat like clockwork...every 3 hours during the day, but sleeps one stretch between 4 and 6 hours at night. Not bad for being only a month old:) I feel like he is going to smile at any moment, but I know he has a while before that will actually happen. It is hard to imagine that if he had been born on his due date, he would only be 5 days old. At the same time, I can't believe he is already a month old. He is so much fun and truly a blessing to care for.

This past week Rosie, my husband's mom, came to visit. She hadn't seen Hampton since he was born. I enjoyed her visit and appreciated her help. I warned her that our life is not too exciting. We hang out at home, eat, and sleep. I'm sure she enjoyed just being with her grandbaby.

Last weekend, Hampton took his first trip to OKC to my parents house. My Aunt B and cousin Charles were there too. He met one of his greatgrandmothers, who thought he might be as precious as Cutie...her dog. I have to give her a little credit though...she says Cutie is the joy of her old age (my granddaddy passed away years ago and she lives alone now). Our trip was quick, but good. Now we are home until the big trip to Colorado for the wedding. It will be fun, but exhausting I'm sure.

We have been blessed greatly by friends and even some we didn't know before Hampton. We have had several dinners brought to us which has made things so much easier on me. THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I will add more pictures, but right now I'm having trouble :(