Well, it may very well happen. A year-end post! I stinkin' love the holiday break. We got to visit with lots of family, spend some time just relaxing, and are already dreaming some dreams about the upcoming year.
{click on the pictures to view full-size}
I won't give a play-by-play, since you need only revisit old posts to get the actual year in review...so maybe just some highlights.
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| Grandmas know all the tickle spots. |
It is amazing to imagine that one year ago, Shepard could not even sit up on his own; and now, he runs full-speed-ahead at everything. What a fantastic growth period between 6 months and 18 months! His understanding and vocabulary seem to grow every day. Having a little explorer is sometimes challenging, but I'm so thankful that he's interested in life and learning about everything.
There really isn't any news of interest to report for Mommy and Daddy. We are still at the same jobs--Shelley in the
Winthrop University President's Office and Jerod teaching the 4th/5th graders at
Woodlawn School. It works for now. Shepard enjoys his days with a handful of his buddies at a local Baptist church's daycare. He makes artwork every day, plays outside a LOT, and reads and sings and learns all kinds of things. I love that he has interaction with his peers and other adults. I also love that he greets me at the end of each day with a huge smile and arms extended and a command, "UP!" Gladly, sweet boy.
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| I got a train! |
So far, Shepard is so very gently-natured. He smiles and giggles--especially when we tickle him, he presses microwave buttons (changes our microwave voice to Spanish!), and gets attention from dogs. He loves to play with anything that has some cause and effect, like his musical instruments. He also really loves some unorthodox "toys," like the retractable dog leash, swiffer mop, and laundry baskets. And he loves to run and play outside. He definitely has a typical toddler stubborn streak and is able to communicate what he does and does not want. His favorite foods right now are eggs with cheese, yogurt, blueberries, bananas, lasagna and cheerios.
2011 has been consumed with working, a few trips to the beach (
here and
here), and watching our baby turn into a boy.
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| Yup. It's our family addition. Her name is LaFawnda. (for real) |
Jerod was able to fulfill a dream by purchasing a sweet "new" ride, his 1974 Gran Torino Elite (see pics). His dream is to get Shepard to reach all the small parts with his dextrous little fingers...eventually. The car needs a little TLC, and Jerod is well on his way to learning about engines and grease and stuff.
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| I may have to get a stocking for LaFawnda next year. |
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| Leaf and LaFawnda |
All in all, we are really getting in the groove of this family-of-three thing. Plus a dog and lots of fish...lots of fish. Who knows what 2012 will hold? Perhaps it will be a year of big changes...I wouldn't mind decorating a new mantle this time next year with our stockings. Just sayin'. :) But, we'll see where the Lord leads.
There were so many great pictures of our holidays that I uploaded them all to a flickr photo set. Seriously, you don't want to miss these. Here's a sneak peek.
Flickr LINK HERE.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!
