Keeping up with the Phillips'

Monday, September 28, 2009

Jeffery's Birthday photos and details!

Since we couldn't have the big birthday bash with family/friends, here's a recap of Jeffery's day:

Such a tall boy (no idea where he gets that, by the way)

Playing with the See and Say Mom and Dad got him (he didn't really care for the Jack in the Box, apparently that needs to wait a few months)

He loves to ham it up for the camera, but you have to be quick or he starts walking toward you

Mom making his cake

Chilling on the couch, watching football with Dad, while Mom decorates his cake

He caught me!

It's been a while, but I remembered how to decorate a cake

The finished product

Dad teaching him early

"Why's Mom got the camera for this?"

"Oh Wow! Maybe I like that!"

"What is this?"

"This isn't bad stuff!"

He didn't want to get his fingers dirty at first

"That's really good!"

Rockin' his new UT jersey from Grammy and Granddaddy P!

"I know I'm cute!"

Daddy's proud of his little Volunteer!

UT Football, here I come!

"Oh, I'm supposed to hold onto it?"

UT's quarterback for the 2026 year!

Finally figured out how to pick it up

"Mom, it's messy!"

"Eh, who cares? I'll just lick it off my arm!"

"What?!?"

Jeffery had a great day, and thanks everyone for the birthday wishes! There will be more pictures of his new toys in the days to come. And I will try to upload a video or two of his day as soon as I can.

It was a bittersweet day for Neal and me, as we were constantly reminding each other where we were, and what we were doing this time last year. It was a memorable day for sure, as well as a very special one. We just can't believe how fast this past year has gone!

One good part of that, however, is that we are that much closer to coming home! We will keep you all updated on our next set of orders, which should be determined in the next couple of weeks at most.

We love you all!

Sunday, September 27, 2009

One year ago today ...

... We met this handsome guy ...

The very first picture we have of Jeffery, about 3 minutes old!

His first picture with Daddy

His first picture with Mommy

The most beautiful sight to our weary eyes!

And now, for a trip through the past year ...

One month (10/27/08)

Two months (Thanksgiving Day - 11/27/08)

Three months (12/25/08)

Four months (1/27/09)

Five months (2/28/09)

Six months (3/28/09)

Seven months (4/21/09)

Eight months (5/27/09)

Nine months (6/27/09)

Ten months (7/27/09)

Eleven months (8/30/09)

One year! (9/27/09)

Wednesday, August 05, 2009

We have a WALKER!!!

After several weeks of pulling up on various things, and walking around with help, someone decided to just bite the bullet and try it out!

Check out the video here:

We are in TROUBLE!!!

-

Monday, July 27, 2009

Urgent Prayer Request for a friend ...

I had intended to post about Jeffery's 10 month birthday today, but that will have to wait:

I just wanted to post a quick request for as many prayers as possible. Stellan is an 8 month-old little man who was born with a damaged heart. For more info on him, you can check out his mom's blog here.

I found her blog through a mutual friend when I was still pregnant last year, and have followed their family ever since. Stellan is an amazing baby, and is just that much more special to me because he and Jeffery are only weeks apart in age. It breaks my heart to see a family going through this, and I hold my own little boy closer today knowing that it could be anyone's child.

Please take a moment today to pray for this most precious little guy. It seems he could really use it. Also, please pray for his parents' comfort, and the doctors' wisdom and leading.

Monday, June 29, 2009

Nine months old!

Man, I can't believe that Jeffery's already nine months old! It seems like he's been a part of our family forever, but then again, it seems like yesterday that we were in the Stork's Nest, waiting for labor to start!

He really is an awesome baby, and getting more and more fun (and exhausting) by the day! He's hitting milestone after milestone. As soon I write something down that he did, he does something else! Last Friday (the 19th), I went to check on him after his nap because he woke up crying (he usually wakes up happy). I walked into the room to find him with both hands on the rails of his crib, and just in time to see him pull up to his feet and grin at me! I'm in trouble!

He's pulling himself up on everything he can now, especially on us when he's tired and wants to be held. He's eating big boy food and snacks, and has even mastered the sippy cup! He says "Mama" and "Dada," and will sometimes say "bye-bye" while waving. He learned peek-a-boo and pat-a-cake while we were home in May, and he loves Blue's Clues! He's really becoming a little boy.

Today we went for his 9 month checkup, and he is doing great! He weighs 24 pounds, and is 29 inches tall now! We knew he had grown (we recently had to move his exersaucer up a level), but were shocked at just how much! Anyway, luckily there were no shots again until his 1 year appointment, and today was nothing but good news! He even showed Dr. Moore his "petunia" side, as Mom likes to call it.

I'm posting some pictures of him here, but as usual, all of our pictures are on the photobucket site (I'll try to put the link in a sidebar). I'll try to post a video or two in the days to come as well. We love and miss you all!

Playing "got your nose" with Mom