July 4th

We celebrated July 4th with the DeRoberts and Morgans. Though it was not Reese's first 4th, it was his first one with us. He had fun with the big boys!

Getting ready for the pool!
Mr Cool in Daddy's glasses

Drying off after a trip to the pool.

Cheering on the "big boys" playing corn hole

Going to sleep with Maw Maw

Water Park Fun

Last week we introduced Reese to the Water Park at our YMCA. The first day I was alone with him, so there aren't any pictures. (My hands were occupied holding on to him!) He wasn't sure about it at first, but he quickly warmed up to it and had fun. Later in the week, we went back (with Bryan this time) and he enjoyed it again.

A view of the water park.

Showing off his pool attire.

Inspecting the situation


Taking a juice break

Mr. Cool drying off before going home.

Summer Discoveries

Yesterday we took Reese to the dentist for the first time. I know, I am crazy for taking a 1 year old to the dentist. We have more than one reason why we felt like this was important, but I won't bore you with that. He did well for the most part. There were tears, but no meltdowns. Bryan went to the same practice when he was a child and all the long time staffers said that Reese is a better patient than his Daddy.

Reese also went to the play pool at the Y for the first time. He wasn't so sure about it at first, but he quickly warmed up and enjoyed himself. Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures. Holding on to him in a pool takes both hands! Our next visit will definitely be a two man trip!

Back to the meltdowns... we have been having quite a few of those this week. I never knew my sweet baby could be so loud and obnoxious. He definitely has a temper on him! Dr. Kris said that he has 3 molars coming in, so maybe that explains some of the grumpiness.

Last night we went to dinner with Maw Maw & Paw Paw and Chris & Kathie. After dinner, Reese discovered his tongue! He loves to look at himself in the mirror and I was sticking my tongue out at him. He decided to try it and started sticking his tongue out at himself in the mirror. As soon as the tongue comes out he bursts into giggles.

We had our bi-annual Foster Care Review Board meeting this morning. They again made the recommendation to proceed with TPR and adoption. Following the meeting Crystal, Reese's case worker, hopped in the car with us and we went down the street to the Sheriff's department. We took Reese into a conference room and a deputy "served" papers to him. This was the official way of notifying him of our upcoming August court date. At that hearing we are hoping to get the date for the TPR hearing (Termination of Parental Rights). Crystal feels certain that we will be able to finalize by the end of the year. Let's hope she's right!

Happy Birthday Reese

Last week was a big week for Reese. He had his first trip to the beach and he turned one! At the beach we celebrated with our high school students and then had a family party on Saturday. Thursday Reese demolished the cake. That must have been more than he could handle because he wouldn't touch his cake on Saturday.

My first day at the beach

Monday was Reese's first day on the beach. He looked quite cute as we strolled down to the beach in his wagon. He was not a big fan of his hat, but he got used to it. The beach was packed! The dry sand was fun for him, but he was not a fan of the water. After a few panicked looks and some tears, we went back to the dry sand. The pool was a hit! We have visited the pool a few times, but I haven't been able to get any pictures yet. With Daddy tied up with the teenagers, Momma hasn't gotten very many pictures. Here are a few to enjoy!

No where to hide

Unfortunately, Reese found Belle's hiding spot this week and he discovered that he can hide there too. Sorry Belle!

I Couldn't Resist

My friend Kelly sent Reese a gift that we received yesterday. It was wrapped very nicely with red ribbons on tied around it. I couldn't resist the urge...