My Little Piranha

It's finally here....Wade's first tooth! The one I've been announcing for nearly two months. "He's teething," I often explained to the strangers staring at Wade, crazed look in his eye, ferociously chewing on his Pluto dog. I just knew, any moment, he would start growling (Wade, not Pluto). So, on August 19th, when I felt the three sharp points poking through his gum, I was thrilled! I realize this tooth would have come regardless, but I feel like he worked hard for it. All mom's think their babies are talented, but I'm telling you - the boy can chew!! Way to go Wade! My little piranha earned his first tooth!

Six Months Old

As of August 27th, my little man is six months old! Tipping the scales at 18 lbs 3 oz, he has mastered sitting, without support, and is desperately trying to crawl. He puts a lot of sweat into reaching a desired toy, but can only manage to scoot backwards. Rice cereal and nursing are on his limited menu, but we will soon be adding some greens. (No, I do not feed him meat and potatoes!) Yelling, joyful yet loud, is Wade's favorite hobby. He yells at the ceiling fan, his hands, his feet, and his sister. Currently, his hands are his top choice of companionship. Here's out it often plays out: he open and closes his hand several times, appearing to be somewhat confused. Confusion turns to amusement, which leads to a one-sided conversation with his hand (lots of oohs and gaaahs). Babbling escalates to yelling. The yelling can go on for quite some time but always ends in deep belly laughs. I watch this several times a day, and I am as equally delighted with the first performance as I am the last. Bathing this precious boy is more difficult than you can imagine. First of all, he does not want to stay upright in the tub. He tries to lap up the water, eat the side of the tub, or just lay down. Bathing any wiggly baby would be difficult, but a baby with many, many deep folds is another story. He has some very good hiding places on that chubby body. I find myself to be fairly competent, but I must say that bath time is turning into a two parent job. Wade's a wonderful napper, but most nights he's waking every three hours. I am not short on good advice, just will power; that is my will power, definitely not Wade's.

He is so happy and smiley! Not in the least bit fearful of strangers, he makes friends everywhere! Luke and I are so in love with this little guy. God has blessed us beyond measure! Happy 6 months Wade! (or as Grace says "Congratulations!")

First Soccer Practice

What can I say about soccer practice?

• Most importantly, she loves it! In fact, she loves it so much that the Gracie growl is back. I thought I would have to turn on the home movies if I ever wanted to hear that adorable sound again. Although, I am not sure how long this growl will be socially acceptable.
  
• She isn't the most coordinated kid on the team, but she looks super cute in her shin guards!
  
• She did pick me a very lovely flower (weed) and was kind enough to stop, in the middle of practice, and hand deliver it.
  
• She prefers for the kids to move out of her way before she attempts a goal. I am pretty sure that she is going to find it quite rude when someone steals the ball away.
  
• She can't wait to win a gold medal!

Wade talked to his hand while his sister practiced.

Girl's Night

Grace and I had a marvelous evening at the Kiddie Park; eating snow cones and hanging out with Boo Boo the Clown. Yes, my daughter loves clowns! Her obsession began at the ripe age of two and has been going strong ever since. Although I would find it a bit strange for any child to like clowns, I was flabbergasted by Grace's new love. We are talking about a kid who has literally screamed in terror at her own shadow (one of the saddest and most hilarious moments I have ever witnessed). So, tonight she points to a clown and says in her most grown up voice, "Mom, I UNDERSTAND that he is only dressed up and is not a real clown like Boo Boo." In her precious little brain, she truly believes that Boo Boo has a clown wife, and clown babies, and lives in a clown house. Oh, it is going to be a sad day in the Lumpkin house when Grace comes to the realization that underneath those big red shoes, Boo Boo's feet look a whole lot like daddy's!

I didn't have the camera tonight, but here are some pics from the beginning of summer.....

The Kiddie Park is an amusement park geared towards young children. Cotton candy, snow cones, clowns and $0.25 rides; this place is awesome!

Whiskers the Clown came to Grace's fourth birthday party. (I know a few poor kids praying for this phase to pass.) Grace's beloved Boo Boo was at a clown convention. Grace's reaction, "Oh, like a family reunion?"

First Day of School

Grace started pre-school today! I made her favorite breakfast, pancakes. She took two bites and said, "My tummy is too anxious to eat pancakes, I better try a granola bar." The poor thing couldn't even eat her granola bar. Even with her "anxious tummy" she was super excited to go to school. She had a great day!

Weekend trip to OKC

We had fun visiting family, friends, and precious new babies. Grace loved the Oklahoma Science Museum (better known as the Omniplex) and getting spoiled by the grandparents. Wade's highlight of the weekend was lovingly attacking his Ti-ta's face with slobbery, yet precious, open mouth kisses. It was ridiculously cute! Luke got his fix on Thai food and purchased a lovely golf bag, with lots of handy amenities. I was able to cuddle my friends' babies all weekend and play some one-on-one basketball with my dad; a favorite childhood memory. (Must I mention that he beat me!) We all had a wonderful trip, minus the car ride, to and fro. Putting it mildly- Wade does not enjoy long car trips.

I had the pleasure of being introduced to Ms. Kate Nelson, the beautiful daughter of one of my oldest and dearest friends.

Wade's friend is Holden McGarrah, son of another very dear friend. I was unable to capture it on camera, but this precious boy has the cutest, dimpled grin. He is so squeezable!

The Omniplex

Wade thinks his Ti-ta is hilarious!

Grace and Papa

Slow down!

This week has been one of those weeks when you want to slow down time...not stop it, just slow it down dramatically so you won't forget how she asked, face full of pride, "I'm smart, amn't I?" or how he greeted you each morning on his belly, head and shoulders as high as his chubby arms could raise , with that huge toothless grin. Time is passing quickly and I don't want to forget any of these moments.

This week Grace got a big girl bike with training wheels. She does great on it, with the exception of a few steering difficulties. The bike always seems to head in the direction she is looking. And if she gets to going too fast, she forgets how to stop. She looks down at her feet as if to will them to paddle backwards, and heads straight for the curb or middle of the street, running over me in the process. However, we are making huge progress; considering, we no longer have to come to a complete stop and shout "car" whenever we are within a block radius of any moving vehicle.

This week public pre-school started. Public pre-school is Monday through Friday, 9 till 3. This is where my neurotic side really shines through. I can see it all over Luke's bewildered face as I defend, "Honey, I know GRACE isn't going to public pre-school and I know SHE will not be gone everyday, but she could. She's old enough, and if we would have decided to send her then she could have gone everyday. I can't believe she is actually old enough to go to school everyday!"

Luke: "But she won't be gone everyday."

As Luke resumes watching the Olympics, I silently ponder (some might use the word obsess) 'But next year she will be gone everyday and she won't even need her training wheels anymore.'

Dear God...and let him be compassionate, love you with all of his heart, and not mind having poopy hands.

I'm at the sink pre-cleaning poopy clothes after yet another blow out. Grace looks on with disgust. "Are you touching that poop with your hands? I hope my son or daughter doesn't get poop on his clothes because I don't want poopy hands".........Grace's thinking face........"Maybe my husband can do that part."

Thinking (but not seriously) about saving $1.88 a day.....

As if the budget isn't proof enough of my excessive sonic visits. I am sitting at Sonic, sipping on my large, vanilla Dr. Pepper, easy on the ice, when Grace exclaims, "I have a wonderful idea! When I grow up I can be a sonic waitress and then I can see you EVERYDAY! Whenever you feel like tater tots or a Dr. Pepper, just come on by."