Dakota's 3rd Birthday

I can't believe my little boy is 3 years old! He's getting so big and he's so smart! He definitely keeps us on our toes and always makes us smile. Luckily he's still too young to realize he didn't have his birthday party on his actual birthday. It was a crazy time with the move so we decided to have his party the next week. We did a lot of celebrating though. My mom was in town on his birthday so we made hot dogs and I got him some spiderman cupcakes. He wanted a batman party at Going Bonkers (a huge indoor playground full of climbing structures). We had a great turnout and he had a blast with all his friends and cousins. The party didn't end there. We came home to another big present from Grammy and Pops...a trampoline and a few small presents we didn't take with us to the party. That same night we celebrated my mom's birthday as well since she and other family were here and all together. We had a long day and late night. Dakota was so worn out. He even fell asleep while taking care of his business on the potty....now that's tired!!

Mikah's First Bible Class

I took Mikah to bible class for the first time last night. I just had to stay and watch how he did and take some pictures. I did the same with Dakota the first time I took him. Mikah did such a good job and looked so big sitting in his chair. Wednesday nights are hard because he's so tired but he did great and loved all the singing and toys.

Dakota's First Day of School (MDO)

Joby and I debated on whether or not to start Dakota in a Mother's Day Out program. There was so much newness going on in our life that we weren't sure Dakota needed anything else changing. However, our church, Garden Ridge CoC, is connected with Lewisville Christian School so we decided to give it a try. I took Dakota to pick out a new backpack and lunchbox and he was pretty excited, until the first morning of school. He was anxious, I was anxious, we were running behind. Brushing his hair is a battle I obviously didn't pick this morning! Joby went to work a little late to keep Mikah while I took Dakota. Everything was fine until we got there and he was attached to my arms and legs. He was in tears screaming, not wanting me to leave. His teacher was trying to reassure me this happens a lot and he'd be fine but I couldn't hold back the tears. I'd never dropped my baby off with strangers and I started to doubt if we'd made the right choice. Everyone was so nice though and told me to call up there and check on him as many times as I wanted and they would let me know how he was doing. I called to check on him once and he was doing better. By about noon they called me to say Dakota had reached his limit for the day (It's a 9-2pm program). I was proud of him for lasting that long! Hopefully, he will get used to it and be excited to go every Tuesday and Thursday. His classroom is the same classroom he goes to Bible class and one of the little boys in his class goes to church with us so hopefully that will help too!

Mikah's First Rice Cereal

It's already that time! Mikah got his first taste of solid foods....rice cereal. We were actually going to start it at 5 months but with the move and all we decided to wait until all that was over. He was so excited and couldn't get enough. He kept reaching for the spoon. I think he wore more of it on his face and bib than actually got in his mouth. Big brother was excited to help and see his little brother actually using a spoon. Mikah wasn't too sure about what to do with the spoon but he sure liked the rice cereal and getting to sit in the high chair like a big boy.

Mikah's 5 Month Photo Shoot

I am so in love with these big blue eyes! They are absolutely gorgeous! I had to do another photo shoot of this precious little boy before he gets to mobile and won't sit still.

New Niece - Presley Joy Raymond

After a long day waiting, Presley Joy finally made her arrival. She is absolutely beautiful! She only weighed 4 lbs. 13 oz. but is healthy as can be. We are so excited for Jett and Carrie!! We've waited a long time for this:)

Anxiously Awaiting.....

It was a long day at the hospital anxiously awaiting the arrival of baby Presley! The weather turned bad the night before she was born so the roads were bad getting to the hospital but luckily we stayed in a hotel close by. Steph made us all shirts with our title on front and the number 4 on the back for the 4th Raymond kid. While I was visiting Carrie, Dakota had an accident! He was walking on the ledge to look into the nursery and fell off at the very corner and busted his chin. I'm so glad I missed that accident! Joby said it was gushing blood! They cleaned it up and found a band aid but we debated all day whether or not it needed stitches. After four hours it was still soaking the band aid so we took him to the urgent care in the hospital. Luckily we did because the doctor said it was border line of needing stitches. He said we could get by with glue and butterfly strips so that's what we went for. Dakota did so good during all that! He was such a big boy! It was a long day but so worth it!!!

Nicci and Alivia (Carrie's sister and niece)