visit from the Geyers

David's older brother Michael and his family (Aunt Lynn and cousin Matthias) came to visit last week! They hadn't met Crawford or been to Chattanooga, so we filled their visit up with all kinds of fun things!

 Matthias (6 years old) was so sweet to Crawford, and C LOVED his big boy cousin. 

 Uncle Mike

Doing a science experiment, of course! (Mike is a high school chemistry teacher.)

Tuesday night after grilling out at home, we went for a walk in Coolidge and Renaissance Parks. It was still warm (duh), but it was such a fun night. Matthias ran around and played, and we even got to slide down Renaissance Hill (check that off the list!)

Other than doing lots of fun things (the Geyers also went to the Creative Discovery Museum and rode the Incline Railway), we spent a lot of time just chatting and catching up. It had been far too long since we all spent quality time together so we soaked up the conversation time we had. We always love having visitors, but it's extra special to spend time with family!

Batch

Crawford and I met my dear Batch halfway between our houses in Atlanta and Chattanooga for lunch at Cracker Barrel. We did this once before, and it is ridiculous that we waited this long to do it again. As I read over that previous blog post about our last Cracker Barrel visit, I'm so thankful that nothing has changed! This girl is the best, and the Lord brought us into each others' lives to be lifelong friends, no doubt. Thank goodness.

Unfortunately, the little man was not the most pleasant during our time together... Turns out I'm a terrible mom and he was suffering in a poopy diaper the whole time (I had just changed it before we went inside!). Hence the tortured face in this awesome picture:

Regardless, Batch was gracious and loving, as usual. 

Can't wait to to it again! Love you, Batch!

My favorite item on our Summer Fun List - complete!

fun times at home with mommy

 Sorry for the sidewaysness...

sleeping on the go

with Becca, Jessica and baby Emmaline

with Daddy at the lake

with Leaba at a party for Matt & Becca

like Joey with a turkey on his head

Crawford often puts his lovey across his face before falling asleep (don't worry, he can breathe...), and it always makes me laugh thinking of this episode of Friends.

don't apologize

Lately I've been struggling with guilt about my new life. I feel guilty especially for getting to stay home with Crawford full-time. This is something I've dreamt of doing my entire life, and David and I made saving for it a priority since we got married. Even still, I feel guilty.

Kevin Bryant told me recently (in a pretty stern voice), "Do not apologize for God's blessings." I've been noodling on that sentiment for a few weeks now, and the Lord has really used it in my own life and to minister to others. I think the devil uses our guilt as a tool to steal our joy and God's glory in times of celebration. The guilt I feel is just a ploy to distract me from the truth of this verse I recently read while studying the book of James:

"Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise." James 5:13b

Praise the Lord that in seasons of blessing, we should receive those blessings with open arms, give the glory to God and sing praise!

Greenway Farms

We crossed an item off our Summer Fun List this weekend- take a walk at Greenway Farms.

Really, that was just on the list because we've never taken a walk there and it was nice to mix it up a bit from our usual walk locations. Plus, in contrast to our 100+ degree heat lately, the weather was super pleasant, and all four of us (Harley included) had such a nice time. Crawford even sat in the BOB like a big boy instead of in his car seat for the first time!

Grandma's visit

Crawford's Grandma Cathy came to visit last weekend all the way from Florida! We all loved getting to spend some quality time together, and the little man sure loved the extra attention!

 Grandma always brings presents, and she knows the best wrapping paper for five month olds!

Love!

[five months]

One month:

Height- 20in

Weight- 8 lbs. 9 oz.

Two months:

Height- 23in
Weight- 11 lbs.

Three months:

Height- 23.5ish in.

Weight- 12 lbs.

Four months:

Height- 24 1/4 in. (25%)

Weight- 12 lbs. 11 oz. (10%)

Five months:

Height- 25 in.

Weight- 13 lbs. 10 oz.

Crawford, at five months old you...

• are absolutely edible. 

• have found your feet. You love to play with them, especially when you're on your changing table.
• have officially moved to your bedroom full time. We've packed up the pack and play and put the house back in it's original condition.
• don't like to actually sleep in your bedroom. That's a bit dramatic, but your night time sleep has seriously regressed since moving to your own room. Technically you stay in bed and don't eat for the entire night (about 7:30pm-7/8am) usually, but we have been going in to readminister your paci about 3 times a night for the past few weeks. I know, I know... it has to stop. We're working on weaning you off your paci dependency this week. It started today.
• love to chew on your hands and fingers. We're expecting to see some teeth any day now...

• are very tactile. You do the most adorable hand scratching on every surface you can get a hold of. You do it to me while you're nursing, and it is the sweetest thing ever.
• make some awesome noises, including a high pitched shriek

• rub your eyes when you're sleepy. It kills me!
• laugh so much. We can usually get you to laugh with a game of peek a boo or by blowing in your face (sounds cruel, it's really not).
• can sit in a high chair at a restaurant... sort of. 

• love watching Harley. Unfortunately, he could care less about you. He doesn't often come really close to you because you've grabbed handfuls of his fur a few times, and he's learned his lesson.
• have awesome fat rolls.

• have never met a stranger.

• have a lot of greasy hair (like your mom and dad) right down the middle of your head (a la Mr. T)

• manage to poop and/or pee out of every diaper we put you in at bedtime. That definitely adds to the middle-of-the-night fun we've been having lately. We've tried every kind of cloth and disposables (sometimes with a cloth cover!), but nothing seems to work like a charm. Oh, and you've been pooping in the middle of the night. What's up with that?!
• Speaking of poop, you still go in just about every diaper I change. You maybe have one just pee diaper a day. Dude.
• can sit up by yourself for about 10 seconds at a time, if propped juuuust so

• are super ticklish, especially on your back and feet!
• say "g" and "m" sounds. You definitely don't know what you're saying, but "mamama" comes out of your little mouth and makes my day!
• recognize it when we say your name.
• are so smiley, happy and friendly. We love you more and more each month. I never thought it was possible!

Waterfront Triathlon

Yesterday I participated in the annual Waterfront Triathlon with my good friends Sam and Leigh Linhoss. They are pros at stuff like this, so I was just tagging along for kicks. We made a relay team, so I did the swim (1.5k), Sam did the bike (42k) and Leigh did the run (10k). We finished in good time, and all of us right on the time we expected to be (me- 30 mins, Sam- 1 hr. 20 mins., Leigh- 1 hour). David, Leigh's parents and the Bogensbergers were there to cheer us on, and we had such a fun morning! I will admit, swimming about 1 mile was way harder than I anticipated. About half way through I was regretting my lack of training (I swam twice... oops). I was definitely glad to finish with a decent (for me) time because it was hard - definitely harder than the swim I did in the Music City Tri.

Cutest cheering section!

please forgive the obnoxious cheering! We were proud and excited!

Every time I do a race, I love it and want to do more. I've been on a pretty good once-a-year schedule lately (2012- Waterfront Tri, 2011- Louisville 1/2 marathon, 2010- Music City Tri, 2008- Mercedes 1/2 marathon), and I definitely want to at least keep that up. So, what's next??