First Father's Day

I am so thankful that Tyson has such a wonderful daddy! I have never been so in love with Travis as I am now! He is a great father and partner in this amazing adventure of parenthood! Father's Day has been a sad day for a long time (Travis's dad died on Father's Day and I still miss my daddy so much). However, today I feel very blessed and have celebrated the gifts that our heavenly Father has bestowed on this family!

Two Months...Too Much!

It is just too much for me to believe that my sweet baby boy is 2 months old!! Without a doubt, these have been the very best days of my life! He had his first doctor's appointment yesterday and checked out perfectly healthy! He weighed 12.11 pounds...WOW! I love every single ounce of him more than I can even describe! God has truly blessed me with this sweet little "duck"!

Mommy's "Old School" Friends

After Cynthia's shower, Tyson, mom, and I headed to Cherryville to stay with my teaching mentor and second mother Cindy. I began my teaching career at Washington Elementary School in Cleveland County with the most wonderful people in the world. They were, and will always be, such dear friends and role models. My sweet and devoted assistant, Mrs. Fuller and the most wonderful janitor and kindest man, Mr. Triplett retired this year. Since I was going to be in town, we planned a surprise luncheon for them. I was surprised with a baby gifts as well. Everyone was excited to meet baby T! I miss them all so much, so it was a great time to visit, reminisce, and catch up.

"Big Mama's" Baby Shower

Morgan, Cynthia, Brianne and I have been BFFs since college. The 'Carolina Girls' met in Parker dorm and have shared the most wonderful memories. We shall never blog about most of our college memories (right girls?)! We have supported each other through beginning careers, moving to new homes and new states, getting married, and now becoming mommies. The path to parenthood began with our husbands (obviously)! Cynthia married Jody at the Carolina Inn in Chapel Hill just before I graduated in 2001. I met Travis at her wedding. He was my groomsman down the aisle. We got married on June 25, 2005. Morgan married Cedric (the other groomsman/best friend) February 11, 2006. Who could believe that three best friends married three best friends?! It makes for some really fun times together! Brianne married the sweetest boy, Jessie, and they live in Vermont. Since tying the knot...we have all conceived! Morgan had Gabriel, he is a precious 18 month old, born January 10, 2008; Brianne had sweet baby Ryan on January 10, 2009; and Tyson was born two months ago on April 10...Three BOYS! Now Cynthia, who we lovingly refer to as "BIG MAMA," is pregnant...with a GIRL!!! She and Jody now live in Texas (that wrecks us by the way). They came home to Terrell this past weekend for a baby shower at her sister's house. Tyson, mom, and I loaded up the van for his first road trip so that we could be there. It was so much fun! She is just so cute pregnant! Morgan, Gabriel, and her mom, "Miss" Doris, were there too! We loved being together to celebrate with Cynthia's family. Cynthia is not a girlie girl, unlike her buddy Laura! I have promised to bring baby Mackenzie to "priss camp" every summer where I can teach her all about the joy of PINK, Emily Post's etiquette, curling hair, and ballet dancing!!! It was just so fun to see all of the little dresses and frilly girl things! I just can't wait until her arrival in September!

Baby Dedication

On Sunday Tyson was dedicated at our church, Pearces Baptist. It was a beautiful service. I was very filled with emotion, as our baby is such a gift. God entrusted us to be his parents and to teach him to believe in Him. It was truly a blessed day!!

We had lots of friends and family join us for the occasion. After church we had a nice meal at our home. It was the first time I 'entertained' a crowd. It was so much fun! Tyson is loved by many!

Meeting Cousins

We had a wonderful visit last weekend from Jeff and Jennifer and their children Reagan and Taylor. They also brought along "Ma," Travis's grandma and Wanda, his stepmother. It was such a special time! Reagan was an awesome help with Tyson. She loved to rock him and help give him a bath. Taylor had a great time exploring outside and playing with Ralph. It was so nice to have them here with us. We are looking forward to a family vacation this summer together in Florida!

*We were also surprised with a visit from Brianne's mom and dad, Margie and Larry, and her brother, Andrew! It was great to see them!

Carter Jamison Budacki

Congratulations to our great friends Jessica and Jame at the birth of their sweet baby boy...Carter! Tyson just can't wait to stare at you. (While we were pregnant Jessica and I had a funny conversation about what our boys would do together when they were born...we decided that they could just "stare at each other"!)